1MDB saga a worthy case study for coming global anti-corruption conference, Kit Siang says

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 ― The coming 16th International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) to be held in Putrajaya should use the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) controversy as its sub-theme, Lim Kit Siang said.

The DAP adviser said the scandal could represent a “live case example” for the forum themed “Ending Impunity: People, Integrity and Action”.

“The 16th IACC is very lucky for it will have the special privilege and honour not only to have a major participant but the key player of 1MDB scandal to give the keynote address,” he said, referring to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

The embattled prime minister has been repeatedly linked to the controversies surrounding the debt-riddled state investor, a brainchild of his back in 2009.

Just last week, international business daily The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) ran an exposé claiming that documents from investigators show a money trail from 1MDB to the prime minister's private accounts.

According to the daily, some US$700 million (RM2.6 billion) has been wired into his accounts.

But Najib, however, has insisted that he has never taken 1MDB funds for personal use.

The claim is currently under investigation by a special government task force comprising authorities like Bank Negara, the Royal Malaysian Police, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC).

Lim said apart from Najib the heads of these authorities should also appear before the IACC to impart their experience so far in tackling the 1MDB scandal.

“They must the only outfit in the world of subordinate officers investigating the No. One authority in government and nation, the Prime Minister,” the DAP lawmaker said.

“Who believes that the four subordinate Tan Sris to Najib will be able to freely, independently and professionally carry out their investigation of the Prime Minister, even proposing that the Prime Minister should be removed and charged in court on corruption charges?” he asked, referring to the heads of the four bodies.

In a press statement yesterday, integrity minister Datuk Paul Low announced that the 16th edition of the IACC, organised bi-annually by Transparency International, will be hosted by Malaysia this year.

The event, which the minister said is in line with the government's objective to raise public awareness on the issues and challenges in the fight against corruption, will be held in Putrajaya from September 2 to 4.