Minister tells public not to panic over 1MDB-linked US lawsuit

BANGI (Malaysia) — Seeking to calm the furore over the American authorities’ civil filing to seize assets bought with money allegedly misappropriated from a state fund, a minister said Malaysians should not be quick to panic when put under the spotlight by others.

“Every country has its law. If this is what the US feels that they need to investigate, it is their right,” said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Azalina Othman. “We are an independent country and do not have to believe everything that they say.”

She added that Malaysia has more important issues to worry about, such as the threat posed by the Islamic State militant group, which concerns the country’s sovereignty.

“I am disappointed at how Malaysians believe everything said by foreign powers about our country, even without facts or evidence,” Ms Azalina said yesterday.

Last week, the United States Department of Justice’s (DoJ) sought to seize US$540 million (S$749 million) in assets obtained with funds allegedly stolen from sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

The DoJ’s latest filing was criticised by Putrajaya and several ministers, including Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein as well as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Abdul Rahman Dahlan.

Mr Hishammuddin, for example, has challenged the DoJ to provide solid evidence to support its case.

This time last year, American prosecutors filed civil asset-forfeiture suits against more than US$1 billion worth of American assets bought with money allegedly misappropriated from 1MDB.

Last year’s lawsuit also renewed calls from Prime Minister Najib Razak’s detractors — from opposition lawmakers to former premier Mahathir Mohamad — for him to quit.

Mr Najib has been under intense political pressure over the RM2.6 billion (S$840 million) deposited into his private accounts, as well as irregularities in 1MDB.

According to the DoJ filing, which did not name Mr Najib or his wife, it is seeking to recover assets including artworks, jewellery and film rights believed to have been paid for with funds siphoned off from 1MDB. Nearly US$30 million of funds embezzled from 1MDB was allegedly used to buy jewellery for the prime minister’s wife, including a rare 22-carat pink diamond set in a necklace. AGENCIES