Independent panel to probe 1MDB will restore confidence, says C4

comments     Published     Updated

A NGO has called for a fully independent probe into the 1MDB scandal in order to secure the full confidence of the public.

“The formation of an independent panel, aimed at providing a separate and impartial assessment of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) probe findings into the 1MDB, will lend professional strength to these findings, and remove doubts of executive influence over the outcomes.

“We further call upon the special taskforce probing 1MDB to be reconstituted, and for the agencies involved to clarify its status, as the AG and the MACC have issued different statements on the matter,” said Centre to Combat Corruption & Cronyism’s (C4) Cynthia Gabriel ( photo ).

Her call comes in the face of continued revelations of alleged impropriety in the Finance Ministry investment fund’s dealings and 1MDB’s own claim that it is no longer being investigated.

Gabriel was commenting on retired MACC deputy chief commissioner Zakaria Jaffar’s parting speech on Monday calling on the commission to step up its efforts to remain “independent and professional”.

Zakaria was reported saying, “It so happens that as I am retiring, the MACC is probing a high profile individual.

"The officers involved in the case must be supported and be given a warrior spirit booster to face this most difficult battle.”

However he did not name the “high profile individual”.

Gabriel concurred with Zakaria’s recommendations, and said the key to a truthful investigation outcome into 1MDB “must come with full independent oversight, to assist the attorney-general in arriving at an objective decision in order to bring corrupt offenders to book”.

“While the nation is gripped with a prolonged crisis, public opinion is geared towards transparency and arriving at the truth, no matter how difficult.

“As such, the investigations of MACC and the decisions of the AG will be heavily scrutinised, facilitating the necessity for an independent panel to weigh the probe outcomes,” said the prominent NGO leader.



Malaysiakini
news and views that matter


Sign In