This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on May 10, 2019

PUTRAJAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said it is “strange” that former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak could still act innocent during the ongoing investigation of the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal.

The prime minister added that Najib’s act of innocence is also alongside those involved and who have been brought to court in relation to the 1MDB and SRC International Sdn Bhd cases.

“Despite Najib’s offences, Najib and his friends are still disputing the advent of their abuse of power, corruption and fraud,” Dr Mahathir said in his special address in conjunction with the Pakatan Harapan government’s first anniversary event.

And as the previous administration is unable to prove its innocence, Dr Mahathir said that it has turned to accusing the Pakatan government of not upholding Islam and the Constitution.

Noting that the US and Singapore governments have recently repaid money from stolen 1MDB funds as well as money laundered via the purchase of luxury homes in the two countries, he said one question that the previous administration may have to ask themselves is where the money came from.

“How many luxury bags, jewellery and millions of money known to be owned by (Najib’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor) were found in Rosmah’s flat,” said Dr Mahathir.

On Wednesday, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said the repatriation of 1MDB-related assets from the US and Singapore will be used to service 1MDB’s RM51 billion debts.