Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is ultimately responsible for the demise of the special task force, as well as a slew of other actions that appear geared towards scuttling investigations into RM2.6 billion deposited into his personal bank accounts.

This was according to anti-graft group Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4), which noted that the special task force was immediately disbanded after attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail was sacked last Tuesday and replaced with Mohamed Apandi Ali.

"C4 expresses deep concern over these events, and are indeed outraged at the sudden death of the special task force formed to probe the RM2.6 billion, SRC International, and related issues.

"Najib must be held to account for these developments and convince Malaysians that he has not abused his position by allowing the heavy hand of the executive to thwart the ongoing investigations," said C4 executive director Cynthia Gabriel ( photo ).

She added that police arresting MACC investigators was a serious obstruction of duty that could hamper the important probe.

"C4 stands by the MACC during these dark times in our country’s history and hold faith that the commission will be steadfast and resilient in their mission," it said.

Cops told to back off

Echoing this was the Society for the Promotion of Human Rights (Proham), which called on the police to back off from the MACC.

"The priority at this critical moment is to investigate the 1MDB as well as the involvement of the prime minister in this, so as to ensure the integrity of the office of the prime minister.

"Any actions by authorities, especially the police, could be construed as undermining the independence and transparency of the principle investigation. Such acts are detrimental to parliamentary democracy in Malaysia," said Proham chairperson Kuthubul Zaman and secretary-general Denison Jayasooria in a joint statement.

Adding to the chorus of condemnation was Gerakan Harapan Baru secretary Dzulkefly Ahmad, who warned that the attempt to foil the probe was turning the country into a failed state.

He pointed out that this was spooking investors, amid the country's crashing currency.

"There is a trust deficit among the investor community that is getting worse," he lamented.

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