THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is investigating several people over their alleged wrongdoing during 1Malaysia Development Bhd’s (1MDB) asset recovery process, reports said today.

According to The Star Online, a lawyer is one of those under investigation for allegedly accepting some money during the asset recovery process.

“The money was then invested into an unlicensed investment company. In fact, Bank Negara Malaysia had acted against this particular company in 2021,” the source was quoted as saying.

The source also said the lawyer was previously appointed by 1MDB to resolve its asset issues with overseas companies.

“Officers from the MACC were present at the said law firm yesterday to obtain documents in relation to the investigation,” the source added.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki meanwhile confirmed the ongoing investigation against a lawyer involved in the government’s efforts to recover 1MDB assets.

He said the lawyer was one of several individuals being investigated under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

Azam did not name the lawyer under investigation, Malaysiakini reported.

He also said the MACC investigation at the lawyer’s office yesterday was not a violation of any laws, and that his team was aware of the lawyer-client fiduciary relationship.

It was reported yesterday that MACC investigators raided a legal firm belonging to former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s lawyers.

A source had said that a team of 12 MACC officers carried out the raid on law firm Rosli Dahlan Saravana (RDS) in the morning.

The source also said the officers wanted to search and seize documents of the firm.

MACC had also attempted to raid the office of Chetan Jethwani & Co, which also acted for Muhyiddin, said the source.

Rosli Dahlan, who is a partner of RDS, is the lead counsel for the Bersatu president in several cases, including his defamation suit against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. – October 7, 2023.