GFI snubs PKR, wants Bank Negara invite

Washington-based financial watchdog Global Financial Integrity (GFI) will not be accepting PKR's invitation to a roundtable discussion in Kuala Lumpur slated for Jan 17.

In an email correspondence to Malaysiakini, GFI communications director Clark Gascoigne did not give a reason for turning down PKR's offer.

"That said, we have reached out to Bank Negara, offering to assist them in curtailing the illicit financial flows out of Malaysia.

"We're eagerly awaiting a response from them," he said. 

GFI had previously reported that about RM196.8 billion was siphoned out of Malaysia in 2010, placing the country second to China in global rankings in illicit capital flight.

Bank Negara, your move

Bank Negara and the Finance Ministry had promised to investigate the matter since early January, 2011. Little has been said by them since.

When contacted, PKR strategist Rafizi Ramli (right) said GFI had said that they will only participate in the discussion should Bank Negara officials be in attendance.

"We were in the process of writing to Bank Negara, but GFI decided that they would only join any event organised by Bank Negara and the Finance Ministry," said Rafizi.

Rafizi also said PKR had tried its best to facilitate GFI's visit to Malaysia, but now the ball is on Bank Negara's court.

"GFI said that they are in contact with Bank Negara and we hope that they will take up the offer," he said.