My Police Report Against Attorney General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali: A Call for Accountability – 1MDB
As the Chairman of Majlis Gagasan Malaysia, I lodged a police report (attached) earlier today, 14 May 2018, against Attorney General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali, calling for an immediate and thorough investigation into his failure to act on and deliberate concealment of critical evidence related to the 1MDB scandal. His inaction has allowed those responsible for extensive financial misconduct to evade prosecution, jeopardising Malaysia’s justice system and eroding public trust in our institutions.
The 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) Scandal
The 1MDB scandal represents a major case of financial mismanagement, where public funds were allegedly siphoned off and laundered across multiple jurisdictions for the benefit of a few, at the expense of the Malaysian people. Investigations revealed that:
- $200 million was spent on luxury real estate in Southern California and New York.
- $130 million was used to acquire valuable artwork.
- $100 million was invested in an American music label.
- $265 million was spent on a superyacht.
In total, over $4.5 billion was allegedly laundered through a complex network of opaque transactions and fraudulent shell companies, with funds transferred through banks in Switzerland, Singapore, Luxembourg, and the United States. These findings, as highlighted in investigations by the United States Department of Justice (DoJ) and various international enforcement agencies, underscored the magnitude of corruption facilitated through systematic abuse of power.
The Role of the Attorney General
The Attorney General of Malaysia holds significant authority, including the discretionary power to institute, conduct, or discontinue any proceedings for an offence, as stipulated in Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution. This authority means that the Attorney General can decide whether to prosecute or drop charges, making the position one of the most powerful in the country’s legal system.
However, in this instance, instead of fulfilling his constitutional duty, Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali effectively shielded those involved by failing to act against clear and incriminating evidence. His dismissal of allegations and refusal to prosecute those implicated in the scandal raised serious concerns about the integrity and independence of Malaysia’s judiciary. His inaction undermined the fundamental principles of justice and accountability, enabling those involved in large-scale financial misconduct to evade legal consequences.
Filing a police report against the Attorney General is a perilous yet essential act in the pursuit of justice. It challenges an individual who holds the very authority to decide on prosecutions, including his own. However, no one should be beyond the reach of the law, and his actions must be subjected to an independent and transparent investigation to uphold the integrity of Malaysia’s legal system.
A Call for Immediate Action
Given the severity of these allegations, I strongly urge the following steps:
- Immediate Suspension – The Attorney General should be suspended from his position while the investigation is conducted to prevent any conflict of interest or interference with the legal process.
- Travel Restrictions – Immediate measures must be taken to ensure that Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali does not leave the country to evade legal consequences.
- Transparent Investigation – The Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) must conduct an independent and transparent investigation into the Attorney General’s role in obstructing justice.
- Restoration of Public Trust – Malaysia’s legal institutions must reaffirm their commitment to justice and transparency by holding those responsible for corruption accountable, regardless of their position or influence.
This is not merely a matter of law enforcement, it is a test of our nation’s resolve in fighting corruption and ensuring justice for the Malaysian people.
Defending the Rule of Law
The 1MDB scandal not only drained billions from the nation’s coffers but also tarnished Malaysia’s international reputation. The failure to take swift action against individuals implicated in the case threatens to set a dangerous precedent, where high-ranking officials are perceived as untouchable and beyond the reach of the law. This cannot be allowed to stand.
As citizens of Malaysia, we must uphold the Federal Constitution as the supreme law of the land, ensuring that justice is served without fear or favour. The rule of law must prevail at all times, and no individual, regardless of their rank or influence, should be allowed to escape accountability for crimes against the nation.
I urge every Malaysian to remain vigilant and demand that our leaders act with integrity in protecting the future of our country. We must not waver in our pursuit of justice, for it is only through accountability that Malaysia can truly move forward.
Manivannan Rethinam
Chairman
Majlis Gagasan Malaysia
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