1MDB monies: PM wants it brought back

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has ordered the authorities to continue efforts to trace and recover 1MDB funds from various countries.

In a statement today, the Prime Minister's Office said Muhyiddin was today briefed on the recovery progress by the Attorney-General's Chambers, National Financial Crime Centre (NFCC), MACC, police, Bank Negara and Finance Ministry.

"During the briefing, the prime minister was informed about the RM1.4 billion that has been recovered by the task force and another RM6.9 billion has been identified.

"The task force provided a detailed briefing of the action taken to repatriate the 1MDB funds that were allegedly abused in 17 countries," read the statement.

According to the previous attorney-general Tommy Thomas last May, RM1.3 billion worth of 1MDB-related assets had been recovered at the time.

The US Department of Justice, which had recouped about US$1 billion (RM4.24 billion) in 1MDB-assets had reportedly delayed the repatriation of US$240 million following the change of government earlier this month.

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad publicly urged the US to put the matter on hold for now, since his predecessor Najib Abdul Razak, who is currently on trial for misappropriating 1MDB funds, is now back in government.

Among others, Najib is facing trial over US$681 million originating from 1MDB but appearing in his personal bank accounts. He is also facing trial over RM42 million which originated from a 1MDB subsidiary appearing in his personal bank account. - Mkini