The police have completed the first phase of their investigation into 1MDB, which is restricted to the five recommendations by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) as ordered by the cabinet, said inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar.

He said the police are waiting for further orders from the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) regarding the matter, and estimated the instructions to be issued in a week or two.

"The first phase is over. Now we are talking to the AGC and are still in discussion. We are also waiting for further instructions.

"I expect that it will take about one to two weeks from now as it is a very thick investigation paper; there are a lot of things to go through. So it will take some time," he told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur.

Khalid also said that he could not comment on the arrest of former International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) official Khadem al-Qubaisi, said to be a key individual to foreign investigations into alleged money laundering involving 1MDB.

"I do not know about that, you have to ask Saudi Arabia," he said.

"I have said it before: the five recommendations from the PAC are our focus, so I do not want the police to be distracted from what was ordered for us to do, or else the focus of the investigation will deviate," he added.

Al-Qubaisi was picked up by Abu Dhabi authorities in connection with investigations into 1MDB.

Citing sources, US-based business publication, The Wall Street Journal, reported that al-Qubaisi, said to be involved in alleged money laundering involving 1MDB funds, was picked up by authorities in Abu Dhabi.

This is reportedly related to al-Qubaisi's involvement and dealings with 1MDB. Malaysiakini has not been able to independently verify this information.

Al-Qubaisi was reportedly arrested last week, though he has been prevented from leaving the Emirates city since April and his assets frozen.

Investigators in the United States are scrutinising al-Qubaisi's assets and funds, as they believe it may be acquired through graft and fraud.

Last month, the US Department of Justice has filed a forfeiture suit against al-Qubaisi's properties worth US$100 million it claims were obtained from monies said to be stolen from 1MDB.

Al-Qubaisi was the CEO of IPIC and chairperson of its subsidiary Aabar Properties. He presided during the time when 1MDB inked a debt rescue deal with the Abu Dhabi based firm.

It was during his watch that monies sent from 1MDB to IPIC subsidiaries were said to have been diverted to doppelganger companies and laundered to benefit certain individuals.