Public release of 1MDB report in Malaysia signals important turn

Issued by Transparency International Secretariat

In light of the recent elections in Malaysia and the ongoing investigation into a multi-billion dollar state-funded corruption scandal, Transparency International applauds the actions of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to publicise the details of an auditor-general report into 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Previously classified as secret, the report’s findings on 1MDB are critical to promoting anti-corruption efforts across the country. The 1MDB scandal, which is estimated at more than US$4.5 billion, involves political leaders at the highest levels of government, including the former Prime Minister Najib Razak.

The report’s publication is long overdue and its upcoming release is a welcome result of repeated efforts by civil society in Malaysia to make the individuals involved in 1MDB accountable for their actions. The findings will be an important resource for civil society in seeking to ensure there is no impunity in the 1MDB case, and for the public in holding their leaders to account.

Moving forward, Transparency International Malaysia calls on the new government to further investigate the 1MDB case and work with global financial institutions to reveal any overseas financial transactions where funds are suspected to have been channelled. Ultimately, any illegal funds found as a result of the investigation should be returned to the citizens of Malaysia and those involved should be brought to justice and face the consequences in accordance to the rule of law.

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