EXCLUSIVE | Former 1MDB president Arul Kanda is expected to be hauled to court over the alleged tampering of the government audit report on the firm, according to MACC sources.
Malaysiakini learned that former premier Najib Abdul Razak could also be charged after he was accused of ordering the amendment of the report.
A senior MACC official said the pair is expected to be charged under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 which stipulates offences of abusing power for gratification.
"Yes, MACC is looking to charge him (Arul) together with Najib over the alleged tampering of the audit report," said the officer on condition of anonymity.
Sources said the date for the case to be brought to court depended on the deputy public prosecutor.
The investigation papers, a source added, was still with MACC as investigators have to record statements from several other witnesses.
Elaborating on the plan to press charges against the duo, the high-ranking officer said MACC was looking at Section 23 of MACC Act as there was an element of gratification in the albeit non-monetary.
"Gratification is not only money but (in this case) it includes an order to remove the findings to save oneself from legal action," he explained.
Responding to a question, the source said MACC has not decided on whether to level charges against former auditor-general Ambrin Buang and former chief secretary to the government Ali Hamsa, who were implicated in the matter.
"Investigations against them are still ongoing. So far there is no decision yet whether to charge them," he added.
On Nov 25, current auditor-general Madinah Mohamad confirmed that Najib and others had tampered with the National Audit Department's 1MDB report.
In a statement, she said this included an order from Najib's private secretary to delete a paragraph mentioning the presence of Jho Low at one of 1MDB's board meetings. - Mkini
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