So who is Malaysian Official 1?

Just before 1am this morning, and then a little after 1am, Malaysiakini carried two reports relating to the forfeiture lawsuits filed by the US Justice Department to recover some 17 assets said to have been acquired using funds diverted from 1MDB.

Parties named are Najib’s step-son, Riza Aziz,  Jho Low and two former Abu Dhabi officials.

A party unnamed in the cause papers, but mentioned, is referred to as Malaysian Official 1.

Who is this?

Malaysiakini reports, quoting from paragraph 28 on page 11 of the official Complaint filed :

“During all times relevant to the complaint, MALAYSIAN OFFICIAL 1 was a ‘public official’ as that term is used in 18 U.S.C. § 1956(c)(7)(B)(iv) and a ‘public servant’ as that term is used in Section 21 of the Malaysian Penal Code,” the court documents stated.”

I ran through the  cause papers that Malaysiakini very kindly made available. I am still running through the 136 page document.

I then found this at paragraph 39 which starts at the bottom of page 13 of the document.

Upon its formation, Malaysian Official 1 assumed a position of authority with 1MDB. Malaysian Official 1 had the authority to approve all appointments to, and removal from, 1MDB’s Board of Directors and 1MDB’s Senior Management Team. In addition, any financial commitments by 1MDB, including investments,  that were likely to affect a guarantee given by the government of Malaysia for the benefit of 1MDB, or any policy of the Malaysian government, required, the approval of Malaysian Official 1″.

Who wants to play ‘I know what you did last summer’?

- The People's Parliament