The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on 10 December arrested former Prime Minister Najib Razak over alleged tampering of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) audit report.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on 10 December arrested former Prime Minister

Najib was arrested around 11.00am at the MACC headquarters here, minutes after he arrived for a fresh round of questioning over the issue.

MACC sources, however, said that he would be released if he can come up with money for bail.

Malaysiakini newspaper said the former PM is expected to be charged on 12 December.

On 25 Nov, Auditor-General Tan Sri Madinah Mohamad said that parts of the 1MDB final audit report were removed. These sections mentioned the presence of fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low.

Jho Low, who used to do consulting work for the 1MDB, has been accused of money laundering relating to the fund by both Malaysia and the US.

1MDB is an investment fund formed by Najib Razak in 2009 with the aim of serving Malaysia’s development through global partnerships and foreign direct investment.

Najib has been accused of involving in the loss of billions of USD in the bank’s transactions with foreign partners. The fund and Najib have repeatedly rejected the accusation. 

After assuming power, PM Mahathir Mohamad declared to give priority to addressing corruption and taking back losses of the fund.

(Source: VNA)