THOSE who received 1Malaysia Development Bhd-linked funds must return the money even if they are not named on graft-busters’ civil forfeiture list, said Lim Guan Eng.

The finance minister said the list is not limited to the 41 individuals and institutions announced on Friday by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, which has filed civil forfeiture suits to recover RM270 million in 1MDB funds.

Lim used as an example the Penang-based press club, saying the association was a recipient of the funds, but was not named on the list.

“They have admitted (to receiving funds), and they have said they will repay. Their name was not on the list… There is a possibility that the list is longer.

“If they had been simply unaware of the funds’ link to 1MDB and the culprits behind the scandal, such as Jho Low, then we will ensure that they pay back the money and explain themselves to MACC,” he said, referring to wanted Penang-born financier Low Taek Jho, believed to be the mastermind of the 1MDB scandal.

He said the money will go back to the ministry, as 1MDB was a company under Minister of Finance Inc.

“Just because their names aren’t on the list, it doesn’t mean those who had received the funds are ‘free’.”

Lim said Gerakan chief Dominic Lau’s call for Pakatan Harapan leaders Mukhriz Mahathir and Muhyiddin Yassin, and Parti Warisan Sabah president Mohd Shafie Apdal to return the 1MDB money given to Umno when they were with the Barisan Nasional lynchpin does not make sense.

The funds were not channelled into their personal accounts, as was the case with former prime minister and Umno president Najib Razak, he said.

“Such demands don’t make sense. (The money) did not go into their personal accounts… so why ask them to return it?

“They (Lau) didn’t question the funds that went into Najib’s accounts. Instead, they’re questioning people who did not see money channelled into their personal accounts.

“I don’t want to entertain such demands.”

Under the PH administration, Muhyiddin holds the post of home minister, Mukhriz is Kedah menteri besar and Shafie is Sabah chief minister. – June 27, 2019.