Recent developments over the past months have pushed Malaysia on the front stage both locally and internationally in what is deemed as one of the most controversial investigations thus far.

As mentioned previously, two factors are seen as the contributors to the current situation - the most crucial being the personalities linked to the case and the other that revolves around the gargantuan amount of money involved. Thus, the growing interest of many parties locally and internationally on this mammoth financial saga.

The case has also captured high engrossment levels of various parties as it is the most colossal issue faced by the country, especially in an era where the cyber world has become a vital component in human life.

Here, I’m taking a similar tone as mentioned by Ronald Benjamin in his views under the title ‘Bring back trust in our anti-graft institutions’, where the current investigations on 1MDB seem to be a long-drawn-out process with allegations and counter-allegations that seem to be the order of the day.

The issue that would likely be stressed is not about the media coverage, but the severe trend in which many of us end up to ‘jump the gun’ by throwing omnifarious accusations against those involved in the 1MDB scandal, including the special task force formed to investigate the case.

As can be seen, there are parties that do not have faith in the task force, claiming that the investigations initiated are not independent and professional. Some even criticise by passing remarks saying that it is not ‘task force’ but instead ‘forced task force’ .

Leaders, representatives of political parties, and spokespersons have been singing the same tune and displaying such characteristics almost everyday in dealing with the issue. Their statements constantly focuses on urging the members of the task force to resign based on their distrust.

They allege that the task force is not independent and is being masterminded and influenced by some higher authority. From day one, the integrity of the task force has been much questioned and challenged.

Such allegations are not only made against the task force investigating 1MDB but equally thrown at members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), another panel, comprising of Parliamentarians, that is also conducting inquiries on 1MDB.

 

Looks like many amongst us are dealing with a bunch of people including leaders who do not have faith in the very juridical system designed by themselves. There must be a clear distinction in having the capability to differentiate between the person investigated and those conducting the investigation. Malaysians’ incapability in judging or on their judgment is clearly reflected in the on-going 1MDB saga that has been the top ranking talk of the town.

The investigation team or the special task force investigating 1MDB comprises of Bank Negara Malaysia, the Royal Malaysian Police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. Latest media statements have in fact stated that the attorney-general, in the capacity of a prosecutor, is merely providing legal advice to the enforcement teams. The attorney-general in fact, does have legal jurisdiction to investigate.

Collaborative investigation

Based on my readings, Bank Negara Malaysia, the Royal Malaysian Police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission have their own roles and legal jurisdiction concerning this case. The 1MDB saga is a giant issue as well as a complex case and as such the need for the formation of a special task force to conduct the investigation in a more effective manner.

Single-handedly, they might face certain obstacles when encroaching certain jurisdictions, Therefore, if this collaborative investigation is a new way, then why not?

In needs to be known that leaders from both the ruling government as well as the opposition party have been investigated by those heading the task force. Some were even prosecuted while some others walked scot free without any charges levelled against them.

Surprisingly, no one took any effort to highlight such outcomes or even questioned the integrity and professionalism of the enforcement agencies. But, now, certain quarters are questioning the integrity of the special task force team. This certainly reflects a partial and inconsistent viewpoint.

One must logically think, who else will investigate if not law enforcement agencies? Now the most favoured option is ‘lets set up a royal commission of inquiry’. Not a bad idea, but just remember that it’s only an inquiry body!

I am of the view that the manner of investigation and its due process should be highly professional and independent of any interference from any political or influential personalities.

Non-scientific analysis shows that various parties are either directly and/or indirectly having a share of interest in this issue. And, they are ‘working hard’ in trying their very best to discredit the enforcement agencies in the task force.

Should we take a moment to think rationally and stop being judgmental and biased? Let the task force carry out their task and let’s stop pointing fingers. On hindsight, those who have concrete evidence should have the guts to stand up for righteousness and cooperate with the task force rather than shooting them in the back.

It is unreasonable for us to be biased and it is high time for us to stop taking advantage of an issue and taking the opportunity for our personal agenda merely to gain the support of people through sensitivities. Let’s be more constructive with our opinion guns and search for answers, rather than creating confusion and distraction.

This is the crucial time where we should render our support by letting the special task force carry out their duties efficiently, transparently and professionally in accordance with the current system approved by the Parliament.

For me as an ordinary citizen, the current developments are lessons to show that each institution will act and need to act in a transparent and professional manner to meet the expectations and the trust of the public. The people I meant include those are at the top of the power source as well as the ordinary people in the street.