This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on October 16, 2018

KUALA LUMPUR: The nations approached by Malaysia to assist in the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) investigation are expected to extend their cooperation as it is not a political decision, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar, who was sworn in as the member of parliament for Port Dickson yesterday, said these governments must respect Malaysia’s decision to get to the root of the scandal.

“It is not a political decision. A country may choose not to cooperate or collaborate if an action is deemed purely political or political harassment.

“But in this case, we will educe evidence, submit proper documents to prove there is a compelling case that a formal investigation must be conducted and all governments must respect that,” he said at his first press conference in years at the Parliament lobby.

Following the regime change of the country after the 14th general election in May, the new Pakatan Harapan government has reopened the investigation into 1MDB, with probes by at least 10 countries, including the US, Singapore and Switzerland.

It has also pressed charges on former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak over misappropriation of 1MDB-linked funds which are said to involve more than RM2.6 billion. Najib had claimed that the monies were donated by Saudi royalty, and part of it had been returned.

“Malaysia will require the support of those governments.

“We do understand that some are not as forthcoming but I think when it comes to abuse or clear corrupt deals, it is only to be expected that governments give their cooperation,” Anwar said.

He, however, pointed out that Malaysia is still exploring the possibility of getting all governments concerned to “respect the decision of the people or at least honour the principle of good governance”.

“Whatever that has been squandered from the public must be returned to the rightful government or the people. This to me is a very fundamental Islamic principle of governance, and no country should abdicate that responsibility,” Anwar said.