PAC chief says final 1MDB report under OSA to protect credibility

The auditor-general classified the final report on 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) 1972 in light of information leaks on its interim report submitted last July, Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said today. PAC chairman Datuk Hasan Arifin said the committee would abide by the act regarding the final 1MDB report presented today, adding that it was "understandable" that the document had been placed under the OSA. "The auditor-general has the legal power to do so to protect the credibility and integrity of the audit department. "The decision to place it under OSA was made following the leak of information in the interim audit report on 1MDB that was presented to the PAC last July – leaks that were made by irresponsible parties who did so selectively to spark negative reports that have jeopardised the credibility of the audit department and of this committee itself," Hasan said in a statement this afternoon. – March 4, 2016. MORE TO COME]]>