Guan Eng: I want Malaysia to be a boring democracy, no more 1MDB

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng has a dream for Malaysia, and it is a boring one.

"I want (Malaysia) to be a normal, boring democracy where there are no financial scandals. No more 1MDB. No more Jho Low. And of course, no more former prime minister (Najib Abdul Razak)," Lim said in an interview with CNN.

He said this when asked about his message to Malaysians who were supposed to benefit from 1MDB, but instead had the strategic fund's monies allegedly siphoned to support Low's reportedly extravagant lifestyle.

"We will do whatever it takes to ensure that justice is done. And that Malaysia will try to get as much of our money back.

"And finally, we want Malaysia - Malaysians especially - to hold their heads up high again, that Malaysia is no longer a global kleptocracy. We are now a normal, boring democracy," Lim said.

The US Department of Justice alleges that about US$4.5 billion was misappropriated from 1MDB by Low and others, and used to purchase a superyacht, a private jet, properties, jewellery and other luxury items.

Lim said Najib - who founded 1MDB - must explain why he had let Low "run riot" and do as he pleased with the nation's funds.

The finance minister also believes that Malaysia has a good case against Goldman Sachs, from which Putrajaya is seeking US$7.5 billion in reparations.

"The fact (is) that the senior executive (Tim Leissner) who has pleaded guilty, had full access to the former CEO, and I think the evidence will clearly show that Goldman Sachs was in the know.

"How can you disclaim responsibility when you collected such a huge amount of fees, and at the same time you were, of course, broadcasting the fact that you were representing Malaysia. I don't think they can run away so easily," he said.

Goldman is said to have earned US$588 million (RM2.468 billion) in fees for its work with 1MDB, which included three bond offerings in 2012 and 2013 that raised US$6.5 billion (RM27.255 billion).

The bank has denied wrongdoing, insisting it was lied to by former members of the Malaysian government and 1MDB. - Mkini