INVESTIGATIONS into the scandal-plagued 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) are almost completed, said Abu Talib Othman, the chief of the committee tasked with probing into the strategic investment firm. 

He said this after a meeting with MACC chief Mohd Shukri Abdull and its former chief Abu Kassim Mohamed. 

“They were briefing us on the status of the ongoing investigation, and it is progressing well,” said Abu Talib, who is also a former attorney-general.

“The investigators have almost completed the probe and will be submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers soon.” – June 22, 2018.

Abu Talib also confirmed that SRC International, a former 1MDB subsidiary that has been transfered to Minister of Finance Incorporated, was among the cases being probed, but did not elaborate further on the matter. 

SRC International is alleged to be a front used to channel millions of ringgit into former prime minister Najib Razak’s personal accounts.

When asked about the whereabout of key witnesses in the case, including Low Taek Jho and former SRC International director Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil, Abu Talib said he has no knowledge of that since he is only the coordinator for the investigation. 

“This investigation involves so many complex matters. So, it is not one aspect. So many companies involved,” he added. 

He also refused to comment on how many people had been implicated in the probe. 

Besides Abu Talib, the 1MDB committee is also comprised of Pricewaterhouse Coopers partner in risk assurance Nik Shahrizal Sulaiman, Naqiz & Partners senior partner Syed Naqiz Shahbuddin Syed Abdul Jabbar, Otoritas Jasa Keuangan Indonesia (the Indonesian financial services authority) senior adviser Faris Rabidin and Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) founder Cynthia Gabriel. – June 22, 2018.