ASSETS linked to 1Malaysia Development Bhd that have been seized should be returned to Malaysia, said Anwar Ibrahim.

“We understand that some (governments) are not forthcoming but when it’s clearly corrupt or dubious deals, it is only expected that the governments will cooperate,” said the 71-year-old in his first press conference after being sworn in as MP in Parliament today.

“I don’t want to dwell on it because we are still trying to get (in contact with) all the governments concerned.

“But they should at least honour the principles of good governance and whatever has been squandered must be returned to the rightful government,” said the Port Dickson MP.

Several countries including Singapore, Switzerland and the United States have seized assets connected to the 1MDB scandal.

While Singapore has already returned some S$15.3 million (RM46 million) worth of currencies to a special 1MDB recovery account on September 10, and the US government has similarly promised to return any seized assets, Switzerland has voted not to do so.

Two months before the Malaysian general election in May, the Swiss parliament voted against repatriating CHF104 million (RM430 million) to Malaysia.

Anwar said he understood if some countries chose not to cooperate if the action was purely political or a form of political harassment.

“But in this case (1MDB), we will adduce evidence and probably get documents that prove to be compelling. And the governments must respect that,” said Anwar. – October 15, 2018.