Khairy: Any criminal probe of DOJ findings must be Malaysian-led

KUALA LUMPUR: Any criminal investigation into the findings of the civil suits filed by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) should be led by Malaysian authorities, said Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin.  

"It would be preferable that should there be any instance of criminal fraud, those investigating be led by Malaysian enforcement agencies," said Khairy, who is Youth and Sports Minister.  

He, however, told a press conference at the party headquarters here Monday that the DOJ's civil suits should be allowed to take their course first.  

"Innocent until proven guilty. Allow for due process to take place. Nothing has been proven in court," he said.  

Khairy added that the findings of the DOJ have to be proven in a court of law.  

"The court in the civil case will determine if the assets were obtained illegally. The allegations must be proven. We only have the results of the investigation which must be proven in a civil case," said Khairy.  

Asked about any planned demonstration emerging from the DOJ findings, Khairy said this would preempt the decision of the civil court.  

"If we hold a huge demonstration, it is as if we have already sentenced those named," he said.

The DOJ filed civil forfeiture lawsuits last Wednesday to recover assets derived from alleged misappropriation from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).