Former Malaysian PM Suing Incumbent

Over Missing Money

VOA News
March 23, 2016 1:00 PM

Malaysias former prime minister filed a lawsuit against Prime Minister Najib Razak
Wednesday, alleging government funds were transferred into the current leaders personal
bank account.

Former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad's lawsuit accuses Najib of the corrupt practice of
carrying out various steps that were actively and deliberately taken in bad faith to
obstruct, interfere, impede and derail the various investigations and inquiries, which were
being conducted by various legal enforcement agencies.

The suit stems from long-running allegations of corruption tied to a state-owned

development company some believe Najib used to divert more than $680 million into his
personal bank account and the accounts of his associates.

In the past, Najib denied any foul play tied to the funds and has said the money was a gift
from the Saudi royal family to help him win the 2013 election. The donations came in the
form of several wire transfers made to Najibs account during late March and early April
2013.

Malaysias attorney general who was appointed by Najib cleared the leader of any
criminal or corruption charges in January, following an investigation by Malaysias anti-graft
agency.

During a news conference held to announce an end to the investigation, Attorney General
Mohamed Apandi Ali said the money did not constitute bribery and said Najib returned
around $620 million to the Saudi royal family because he had not used it.

There was no reason given as to why the donation was made to PM Najib that is
between him and the Saudi royal family, The Guardian newspaper reports Apandi as
saying.
But Mahathir and dozens of other Malaysian politicians are not accepting the official
explanation, and are now seeking damages from Najib equal to the amount they say was
deposited into his bank account.

Mahathir was joined in the lawsuit by several other former members of the United Malay
National Organization (UMNO) political party. They called on Najib to step down as
Malaysias prime minister.