IGP: Police interviewed 25 witnesses in PAC's 1MDB probe
Police have recorded statements from 25 individuals in their ongoing follow-up investigation into the Public Accounts Committee's (PAC) probe into government investment arm 1MDB, says Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar.
"Actually, we have recorded testimonies from 25 witnesses, since everyone wants us to do a good job, so we have to be very thorough.
"So, we took our time to record the testimony from witnesses, not only for one or two days, but for some (witnesses), it took one or two weeks for us to record their statements.
“We need time to go through the documentation," he said at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.
Khalid said that the first phase of the investigation – scrutinising documents and recording statements from witnesses in the country – was nearly over.
He said that the police would soon start the second phase – sending investigators overseas to obtain documents and record the testimonies of witnesses who are abroad.
He added that this would take more time.
"It's not like you ask us to investigate the case today and it will be done tomorrow, like what some individuals wanted," said Khalid.
He assured that the police are committed to fulfilling their responsibility and would continue to focus on the five recommendations of the PAC report which has been tabled in Parliament.
He noted that one of the recommendations directed the police to investigate and take legal action against those fingered in the probe for being involved in the mismanagement pointed out in the report.
The PAC concluded its probe into 1MDB in April and tabled its report to Parliament, blaming the the management and board for weaknesses and mismanagement in the government-owned company.
The 1MDB board offered to resign after the damning PAC report, which was accepted by the Finance Ministry.
The ministry later appointed new board members to the firm as well as dissolved the advisory board headed by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.
Critics have questioned the police for taking such a long time on the probe, accusing them of dragging their feet, though Khalid had reiterated that investigations were slow as it took time to go through the over 100-page-long PAC report and supporting documentation.
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