A PKR parliamentarian has reminded Malaysians that 1MDB is far from over as individuals linked to the scandal remain free while Malaysians are paying off billions of outstanding 1MDB debts.
In a statement yesterday, PKR’s Subang MP Wong Chen asked why the government has yet to take action against former Bank Negara governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz and her family.
This came as former Goldman Sachs South Asia chair Tim Leissner spoke of alleged bribery involving Zeti's husband while testifying in the criminal trial of his former colleague Roger Ng at a federal court in Brooklyn, New York on Feb 22.
“For many Malaysians, 1MDB seems like an old story. But the fact remains that many of the criminals and enablers of the 1MDB scandal have not been investigated or charged.
“Many remain free and carrying on as usual with their luxurious lifestyle; some are even holding senior positions,” said Wong.
“However, the truth is the impact of the 1MDB scandal is far from over. Malaysian taxpayers are still paying off billions of outstanding 1MDB debts.
“So every time the government is unable to help the people financially, for instance, during the recent floods, you can actually thank the criminals and enablers of 1MDB for their contribution to our collective suffering.
“What is happening now in New York in the Roger Ng 1MDB case is really interesting. In particular, the testimony or confession of Tim Leissner is literally opening up many, many cans of worms.
“Some months ago, I asked the government to give a status update on the investigations into Zeti and her family. Since then, nothing has been forthcoming from the authorities,” he said.
He said Leissner testified that he was told US$1 billion (RM4.2 billion) was transferred with quick Bank Negara approval because Zeti's husband had received a bribe to make it happen.
Why are Malaysians so ‘forgiving’?
“I do want to ask two questions in this posting. My first question is directed to the government. What more damning evidence needs to come out publicly before this government is willing to take action against Zeti?
“The second is directed to all Malaysians. Four days ago, I was talking to a senior reporter from the UK. He was very perplexed as to why Malaysians are so forgiving and why most of us are no longer interested in the 1MDB case,” he said.
“So the second question is this; what is wrong with us? Are we collectively, a ‘mudah lupa’ society? Are we all so jaded with corruption that we have given up completely on fighting corruption?”
According to court transcripts of Roger Ng’s trial, Leissner mentioned this when asked by prosecutors on his dealings with the PetroSaudi-1MDB joint venture project.
He explained that he had heard through Ng - Leissner's subordinate at the time - that 1MDB had invested US$1 billion (RM4 billion) into the joint venture.
However, he could not independently verify if a bribe was indeed paid.
In November last year, the MACC said Singapore had repatriated to Malaysia US$15.4 million in 1MDB-linked funds that involved a company co-owned by Tawfiq.
According to The Edge, the transfers totalling US$16.22 million took place in 2008 and 2009 and were flagged to Bank Negara in 2015 and 2016 when Singapore began investigating 1MDB linked transfers.
The MACC has not openly commented on the matter but some reports suggest that they are investigating Tawfiq's involvement, alongside former finance minister II Nor Mohamed Yakcop.
Leissner is a star witness in Ng's trial. Ng was charged with bribery and money laundering linked to the 1MDB affair.
In 2018, Leissner pleaded guilty to similar charges and was forced to forfeit US$44 million. - Mkini
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