Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail was never part of the investigators in the special task force probing the allegations surrounding 1MDB, including RM2.6 billion being deposited into the prime minister's private bank accounts.

The special task force said this in a joint press statement today signed by Bank Negara governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz, inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Abu Kassim Mohamed.

"The special task force would like to clarify that the investigation is handled by the MACC, police and Bank Negara as the investigating agencies.

"The issue of Abdul Gani ( photo ) as attorney-general interfering and influencing the investigations does not arise.

"Instead, Abdul Gani is only referred to for guidance and legal advice to ensure the investigation is holistic and according to law," said the task force.

It was responding to reports which called for Abdul Gani to be excluded from the special task force.

This was the first statement by the task force which was only signed by the three investigating chiefs.

All previous task force statements included the attorney-general's signature.

The three agencies have different scope of investigation with Zeti, Khalid and Abu Kassim in charge at their investigation levels respectively, said the task force.

Faith and confidence

"The discussions among the agencies from time to time were to ensure a smooth investigation process through collective coordination," it explained.

This was a normal practice for enforcement agencies relating to investigation cases, the task force added.

"Providing a guideline and legal advice in the case of 1MDB in such a manner was, in fact, in line with the common practice for all the cases of investigation.

"The attorney-general was sensitive about his jurisdiction as enshrined in Article 145(3) of Federal Constitution and Section 376 of Penal Code," it said.

The task force hoped all quarters will have faith and confidence in the task force's investigation team.

Following the Wall Street Journal 's revelation US$700 million of 1MDB funds being deposited into Najib's private bank account, Najib had outlined the scope of the task force.

"The investigation by the special task force is to determine whether WSJ's allegation that I took 1MDB funds for my personal interest has basis or not," Najib had said.

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