KUALA LUMPUR (June 23): Expressing deep concern over the US Department of Justice’s recent allegations against 1MDB, the Malaysian Bar today called on Attorney General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali to direct the MACC to resume investigations into the matter.

“In light of the new information disclosed by the DOJ’s latest civil suit, the Attorney General must, as the prudent and necessary next step, direct the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to resume its investigations into 1MDB,” the Bar said in a statement.

In the June 15 suit, the DOJ sought the “forfeiture and recovery of approximately US$540 million in assets associated with an international conspiracy to launder funds  misappropriated from a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund” and implicated 1MDB officials, their family members and other associates.

“In view of the gravity of the claims, the manner in which the civil suits have been downplayed, dismissed, and even denounced by Malaysian authorities, without addressing the substance of the allegations made, is troubling and unacceptable,” said the Bar.

Citing the DOJ, the Bar said this case — together with the civil forfeiture complaints filed by the DOJ on July 20, 2016 seeking more than US$1 billion, and on June 7, 2017 seeking US$100 million in assets — represents the largest action ever brought under its Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative with the assets now subject to forfeiture totalling almost US$1.7 billion

“Although the allegations are not proven until judgment is awarded in favour of the US, it is critical that they be investigated by the Malaysian government comprehensively and objectively based on evidence, in the interest of transparency, accountability and good governance,” said the Bar. “Without having done so, it is premature for the government to disregard these allegations, or exonerate any individual or company of any wrongdoing.

“The Malaysian Bar further urges the attorney general to seek, without delay, assistance from the DOJ to provide all information relevant for investigations into the matter.

“The same should be done in respect of the relevant authorities in numerous other jurisdictions where there have been investigations, measures imposed, criminal prosecutions and convictions, or proceedings for forfeiture of assets, against individuals or financial institutions,” it added.

The legal body said that it is heartened by the Apandi’s statement in April that he had never ordered the investigation into 1MDB to be stopped, and that “no files are closed permanently when we say NFA (no further action), even the 1MDB file”.