KUALA LUMPUR, March 8 — Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said that the agency had so far recovered RM28.93 billion and assets siphoned through the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal.
Azam said that the fund and assets recovered was more than what was expected by the agency since the investigations were launched, News Straits Times reported.
“We have played a significant role in the recovery of these assets. This includes carrying out investigations, producing the facts, issuing warrants of arrest, as well as charging those involved in the 1MDB scandal in court.
“This is a national victory for Malaysia and we were one of the agencies involved in the 1MDB task force, apart from the Attorney-General’s Chambers, the Finance Ministry and the National Anti-Financial Crime Centre,” he was quoted as saying.
Azam was speaking to the press after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) and Malaysia Institute of Accountants (MIA) at the MACC headquarters yesterday.
He added that the three are working hand-in-hand to exchange expertise, especially in matters pertaining to financial crimes.
Azam pointed out that MACC and UiTM had been in discussion since last year, mainly on sharing the expertise from its Accounting Faculty.
“We need continuous cooperation in terms of sharing information, opinions and ideas to come up with the best mechanisms to combat corruption crime, abuse of power, money laundering and excessive property ownership.
“With this MoU, it is hoped that we can realise cooperation between UiTM and MACC in terms of negotiation services, development of training modules, anti-corruption awareness and education programmes as well,” he reportedly said.
He also hoped to further strengthen the UiTM governance and integrity agenda.
