Bring Stadlen back to M'sia, MACC tells law firm

MACC wants the legal firm that represents former premier Najib Abdul Razak's ex-PR man Paul Stadlen to bring him back to Malaysia to assist investigations.

Its deputy chief commissioner in charge of operations, Azam Baki, said this is what the firm should do instead of complaining about Stadlen's case through the media.

"Tell him to come back to Malaysia. There is no need to make noise (about authorities' action against Stadlen), just tell him to come and see us," he said when contacted by Malaysiakini.

Azam's call for Stadlen's return is in response to a media statement issued on Thursday by his lawyer Kevin Gold, who is the managing partner of prominent London law firm Mishcon de Reya.

The lawyer alleged that Stadlen (photo) was "caught in political backlash against Najib" after prosecution registered a case and obtained an arrest warrant for Stadlen over money laundering involving RM15 million.

"What his lawyer should do is bring him here," added Azam when asked to comment on the law firm's claims.

Also alleged of being involved in the RM15 million money laundering was Umno lawyer Hafarizam Harun, who was charged in court on Thursday.

Following the charge, Najib dismissed the allegations, telling Malaysiakini that the RM15 million was meant as payment to a company formed by Stadlen for "several years of work".

Stadlen was Najib's media adviser when the latter was prime minister.

Last November, Azam said Stadlen was sought by MACC to facilitate investigations into the 1MDB scandal and that he had left Malaysia before the May 9 general election.

Najib to explain source of RM15m to Stadlen 'when the time comes'

Najib 'explains' RM15m payment to Stadlen via Hafarizam

Stadlen 'caught up in political backlash against Najib'

Najib's ex-PR man Stadlen charged with money laundering