Trio only brought in to facilitate 1MDB investigation, says Ahmad Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR: The trio who were detained in relation to leaked information in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) probe "were only brought in to facilitate the investigation." 

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic) said the trio were needed to assist police on how the leaked information was shared with Sarawak Report and on social media. 

"The three were detained based on reports that were filed. The investigation is done to determine how the information was obtained…whether it was leaked by someone from the MACC, AGC or Bank Negara. 

"Even the police are not spared from having their statements taken," he told reporters at the Kepong Wanita Umno Division Delegates Meeting on Sunday. 

The three arrested were former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) advisory board member Tan Sri Rashpal Singh, Attorney-General’s Chambers finance and anti-money laundering secretariat member Jessica Gurmeet Kaur and MACC deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Sazilee Abdul Khairi.  

Ahmad Zahid added that the focus on the probe remains on whether the leaked information was sold or given to Sarawak Report and other portals. 

"The investigation is in accordance to the law. Any information which comes from any department or task force should not be leaked with the intention of tarnishing the image of the PM. I applaud the police for being professional in handling this matter," said Zahid who is also Home Minister.