RM5.1b in assets forfeited, 99.57pct linked to 1MDB

 

The total assets forfeited and returned to the Malaysian government last year were worth about RM5.1 billion, with 99.57 percent of it linked to 1MDB, said MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki.

He said following MACC investigations, 152 cases of property forfeiture were filed in court, of which 121 were resolved.

"Of the cases, 117 or 96.7 percent were in favour of the prosecutor and four cases, or 2.2 percent were not in favour of the prosecutor," he said when addressing the 2021 MACC Media Awards ceremony at the MACC Headquarters today.

Azam said the MACC would investigate any complaints of corruption, even if the amount involved was small.

If there is a reasonable reason to show an offence under the MACC's jurisdiction, an investigation paper would be opened and upon completion of the investigation, it would be referred to the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) for further action, he added.

"Although the consent to prosecute a case is the discretion of the AGC, the decision depends on the strength of the evidence from the MACC’s investigation," he said.

Azam said the MACC had its own standard operating procedures in conducting investigations and could not open investigation papers based only on information provided by a blogger or a social media user.

"If there is no or not enough evidence, the investigation paper will be closed. This practice is to ensure that an innocent person is not persecuted and that the accused has the opportunity to defend himself in court,” he added.

- Bernama