PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) was only carrying out its duty to the nation in the long-running 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) investigation, says its chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.
As the High Court delivered its decision in the 1MDB abuse of power and money laundering trial involving Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Friday (Dec 26), Azam said the decision was not a moment of celebration nor a matter of personal pride.
"Rather, it reflects the fulfilment of our responsibility and duty to the nation, carried out in accordance with the trust and mandate entrusted to us.
"Our role remains to uphold the rule of law, without fear or favour, guided solely by facts, evidence, and the public interest," he said in a statement.
He congratulated the MACC's investigating officers and the prosecution team following the conclusion of the 1MDB probe, which began in July 2015.
He said the investigation was marked by significant legal, technical and jurisdictional challenges.
Earlier, former prime minister Najib was found guilty of four abuse of power charges over the misappropriation of RM2.3 billion in 1MDB funds.
Federal Court judge Justice Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, presiding as a High Court judge, delivered the verdict after ruling that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
At the time of writing, he is still reading out his judgment on the 21 counts of money laundering in the same trial.
Azam also applauded the team for remaining steadfast in meeting the rigorous legal standards required for the case to be brought before the courts.
"This expression of appreciation recognises the extraordinary commitment and perseverance of our investigating officers, particularly in securing evidence both domestically and internationally," he said.
Azam also expressed gratitude to all cooperating parties that helped to ensure a smooth investigation process.
"Crucial to this investigation is the cooperation of foreign counterparts, especially in the complex and demanding process of obtaining evidence from abroad through Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) mechanisms," he said.
Among the agencies that facilitated the tracing, gathering, and verification of evidence, Azam said were the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Justice Department (DOJ) of the United States, the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre (IACCC) of the United Kingdom, the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland, the Commercial Affairs Department of Singapore, as well as relevant authorities from the Netherlands and Barbados.
"Their professionalism and unwavering commitment to cross-border cooperation are deeply appreciated," Azam added.
