How Datuk Bahri’s quiet courage saved the 1MDB evidence from destruction

 

A LITTLE-KNOWN chapter in the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal has emerged, crediting a senior Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission officer Datuk Bahri Mohammad Zin, with single-handedly preserving crucial evidence that could have otherwise been destroyed during intense political interference under former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

PKR member Iswardy Morni, sharing the account on social media, described how the case nearly vanished long before the 2018 regime change.

“Many think 1MDB was exposed only because of politics.

“The truth is, far earlier, the case was almost completely erased – not due to lack of evidence, but because too many were afraid. In that critical moment, one civil servant refused to bow,” he wrote.

When the MACC took over the SRC International and 1MDB probes from police, pressure mounted.

Investigations stalled under political influence. Iswardy recounted Datuk Bahri’s strategic approach: “He completed SRC first because the money trail was clearer.

“Only then did 1MDB move forward. By then, the truth was too close for some.”

Interference soon followed. MACC leadership changed, 1MDB probes were frozen, and SRC was ordered “No Further Action”.

Realising documents could be destroyed, Bahri acted decisively before early retirement.

“He split the original files into three copies, storing them separately with trusted individuals, ensuring they would never fall into the wrong hands,” Iswardy said.

Pressure intensified – raids on MACC offices and arrests of prosecutors and investigators. Amid the chaos, Datuk Bahri reportedly declared: “You have power. I have Allah.”

In 2018, after Najib’s defeat, Bahri was recalled. The safeguarded documents enabled SRC charges to be filed within months, paving the way for reopening 1MDB.

“The evidence was always there. What was missing was courage,” Iswardy emphasised.

“1MDB reached court not because the system suddenly worked, but because one man, Bahri, chose integrity when others stayed silent.” –  Focus Malaysia