MACC has released audio recordings of several telephone conversations involving former premier Najib Abdul Razak with regard to the 1MDB scandal.
Among them were several calls between him and former MACC chief Dzulkifli Ahmad.
Others included conversations between Najib and high ranking individuals from the United Arab Emirates, concerning the US Department of Justice's 1MDB civil forfeiture suits and funds channeled to the former premier's stepson Riza Aziz.
There was also a recording of a conversation between Najib and his irate wife Rosmah Mansor.
All the conversations took place between January and July 2016.
MACC chief Latheefa Koya (below) said the commission received the recordings from anonymous sources after the new year. Forensics tests concluded that the recordings were authentic and not tampered with.
Speaking at a press conference in Putrajaya today, she said the recordings were revealed to the media as it concerned an issue of public interest.
She added that the recordings would be sent to the police for further action.
The first conversation on Jan 5, 2016 involved Dzulkifli calling Najib to inform him that he was dismayed about an “investigation paper.” Dzulkifli was then with the Attorney-General's Chambers.
The call was first answered by Rosmah, whom Dzulkifli informed that the IP he received named "Datuk Seri", believed to be in reference to Najib.
The phone is then passed to Najib.
Dzulkifli: I have the IP. Tan Sri AG (attorney-general Apandi Ali), he is very good, he is like-minded. I just want to update Datuk Seri (Najib) about what was proposed by the MACC themselves.
Najib: That's not right.
Dzulkifli: That is what we are really worried about. On the legal side, we can handle. Apandi can handle it, I can handle it.
Najib can be heard expressing frustration for being “played”. The former premier said he would be meeting the AG on Thursday (Jan 7, 2016).
On Jan 26, 2016, Apandi held a press conference clearing Najib of any wrongdoing in the 1MDB and SRC cases.
Latheefa said this conversation was wrong since Dzulkifli was leaking information to Najib, who was a possible suspect at the material time.
She said this could have been in violation of the Official Secrets Act.
"There are various serious issues that arising (from the audio clips) including abuse of power, criminal conspiracy, obstruction of justice, compromising national security, fabrication of false evidence through foreign aid and connivance.
"I have instructed my officers to take all necessary steps and we will hand over the material to the relevant authorities for investigations," said Latheefa.
[More to follow] - Mkini
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