Dr Mahathir doubts 1MDB probe will be resolved before Zeti’s term ends

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has expressed doubts that investigations into 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) would be resolved before Bank Negara governor Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz completes her term in April. The outgoing central bank governor is due to retire in April but is still pursuing the probe into 1MDB and also the RM2.6 billion deposited into Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's personal bank accounts. Dr Mahathir said while the intention was noble, the current situation was frayed with various challenges that prevented the probe to be completed. "I think it is difficult but it is a good intention," he told reporters in Putrajaya today, in response to Zeti's hope. Yesterday, Zeti said she hoped investigations into 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) would be resolved before she completes her tenure as it would allow her successor to start on a clean slate. "Well, that's what I have indicated. That's what my efforts are directed – to bring a conclusion to it during my term in office. "This way, I can give the next governor a clean slate," she told reporters. When asked on Bank Negara's update on its investigations into 1MDB's inability to repatriate some US$1.83 billion (RM7.7 billion), Zeti declined to comment, saying it was premature. "Nothing has been concluded and it would be premature to comment," she said. Zeti had previously said Bank Negara was validating 1MDB's statement after the state investment fund claimed it was unable to repatriate US$1.83 billion, as the money had been utilised. 1MDB had publicly stated that the funds of US$1.83 billion for the redemption of its offshore investment had been utilised and also earmarked for asset works for part of its rationalisation plan. "BNM is validating this (statement) now and will take into account any firm commitment made by 1MDB under its rationalisation plan, which will contribute toward reducing its debt burden," she said. – February 24, 2016.]]>