PETALING JAYA: 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) has challenged its staunchest critic to provide evidence of alleged embezzlement to the investigating authorities.
1MDB said Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua had been making claims of having “clear cut evidence" of criminal breach of trust, abetment in misappropriation and embezzlement in the government investment firm.
“These are serious criminal accusations, so we urge Tony Pua to walk the talk and provide his “clear cut evidence” to the lawful authorities for further investigation.
“However, if he cannot provide such evidence, then he should stop making wild and unproven allegations, which are clearly politically motivated,” 1MDB said in a statement on Wednesday.
1MDB noted that the DAP lawmaker, who is a member of the Public Accounts Committee, had been making rhetorical statements that were short on facts.
“1MDB has consistently maintained that if there is any evidence of wrongdoing, then action must be taken under the law,” it said in response to Pua’s latest round of attack on 1MDB.
It said even the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) had cleared 1MDB after reviewing all relevant documentation contained in the Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) investigation papers, including the application forms submitted by 1MDB and the relevant letters issued by Bank Negara.
Bank Negara had recommended action against 1MDB for alleged breaches under the Exchange Control Act 1953 (ECA).
Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Apandi Ali had noted that Bank Negara had granted permission to 1MDB to remit cash to investments abroad on three occasions in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
1MDB said the AGC’s confirmation was consistent with the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) statement made on Sept 22 affirming that the company was not under investigation.
“(However,) 1MDB continues to work closely with National Audit Department to provide requisite information for its final report, which will be presented by year end to the bi-partisan PAC, of which Tony Pua is a member,” it added.