KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today described the closure of the 1MDB investigation as a benchmark for future anti-corruption efforts, highlighting the significance of rigorous, evidence-based prosecutions in complex financial crimes.
In a statement, Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki commended the tireless work of investigators and the Prosecution team, who have laboured for over ten years since the probe began in July 2015.
He said that the case exemplifies how comprehensive investigations, adherence to legal standards, and international cooperation are essential in tackling sophisticated corruption.
“The investigation faced significant legal, technical, and jurisdictional challenges. Yet the team remained steadfast in meeting the rigorous legal standards required for it to be brought before the court of law,” Azam said.
He also acknowledged the crucial role played by foreign agencies in tracing, gathering, and verifying evidence, including the FBI and Department of Justice in the United States, the UK’s International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre, Switzerland’s Attorney General Office, Singapore’s Commercial Affairs Department, as well as authorities from the Netherlands and Barbados.
“At home, cooperation from Bank Negara Malaysia and the Royal Malaysia Police was also instrumental,” he added.
Azam noted that for MACC, the court’s decision is not a moment of celebration or personal pride but a fulfillment of the agency’s responsibility to uphold the rule of law.
“Our role remains to uphold the rule of law, without fear or favour, guided solely by facts, evidence, and the public interest,” he said.
Today, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was found guilty on four charges of abusing his position and 21 charges of money laundering involving 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds totaling RM2.3 billion. – December 26, 2025