PMO: PM played no part in Riza Aziz case

KUALA LUMPUR: The Prime Minister was not involved in the decision to grant a discharge not amounting to an acquittal to Riza Shahriz Abdul Aziz on money laundering charges related to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal, says his office.

The Prime Minister’s Office said the decision was reached between the prosecution and the accused through a representation brought before the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC).

“The Prime Minister reiterates his stand not to meddle in the affairs of the AGC and the judiciary in any decision relating to criminal cases in the country, including high-profile cases, ” the PMO said in a statement Monday (May 18).

Riza Aziz, the stepson of former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak, was given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal by the Sessions Court on May 14 over five counts of money laundering charges involving US$248mil (RM1.25bil) linked to 1MDB.

Meanwhile, former attorney general Tan Sri Tommy has hit back at his successor Tan Sri Idrus Harun, who said that Malaysia was expected to recover approximately US$108mil (RM470mil).

The charges had originally involved US$248mil (RM1.25bil) linked to 1MDB funds.

The purpose of prosecuting Riza, Thomas added, was not to strengthen Malaysia’s chances of securing monies from the US Justice Department as the department would have returned these stolen monies in any event because it belongs to Malaysia.

“With the greatest of respect, this is a red herring. ... Riza is unnecessarily getting credit for returning monies that are not his. Hence, it is a sweetheart deal for Riza but terrible for Malaysia, ” Thomas had said in a statement earlier Monday.