M'sia will not interfere in Indonesia's 'oil tycoon' case - PM

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated that Malaysia will not interfere in ongoing legal proceedings against Indonesian oil tycoon Riza Chalid, who has been named a suspect in a major corruption case.

“But let the legal process in Indonesia take its course,” Anwar was quoted as saying during a media engagement with chief editors in Jakarta today, according to Indonesian news outlet Tempo.

Anwar indicated that he knew of Riza in passing but did not know of the tycoon’s current whereabouts, including whether he is in Malaysia. 

The prime minister also said he had been informed by the Indonesian Embassy of an extradition request for Riza. 

“But we must detect whether he is in Malaysia or out of the country. What is his status? What is the case?” he said.

“Just in passing, yes, I know him. Whether he’s in Malaysia, Myanmar, or elsewhere - I don’t know,” added Anwar.

Earlier, Indonesian anti-corruption watchdog Masyarakat Anti-Korupsi Indonesia (Maki) urged President Prabowo Subianto to raise the matter of Riza’s repatriation during a meeting with Anwar, citing claims that the businessperson is either residing in or has previously lived in Malaysia.

On July 11, Indonesian prosecutors named Riza as a suspect in a corruption case involving state-owned oil and gas giant Pertamina.

Riza, dubbed “the Godfather of oil”, is said to be the beneficial owner of PT Tangki Merak and PT Orbit Terminal Merak. He is accused of profiteering from an inflated fuel storage lease agreement.

Seventeen individuals, including current and former Pertamina executives, have been arrested in connection with the case, which reportedly caused losses amounting to Rp286 trillion (RM84.8 billion).

Maki spokesperson Boyamin Saiman also claimed that Riza had married a woman from a royal family in either the northern or southern part of Malaysia and allegedly has links to Anwar.

In 2023, Kedah Menteri Besar Sanusi Md Nor accused Anwar of having ties with an “Indonesian businessperson” - later identified as Riza - who was reportedly interested in investing in rare earth mining in the state.

Anwar later confirmed that he had an audience with the sultan of Kedah alongside the businessperson, but clarified that it was merely a courtesy call.

The prime minister arrived at the Merdeka Palace in Central Jakarta today for the 13th Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Consultation.

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