Revive 1MDB task force, says outgoing MACC officer

(The Star) – The special task force that was investigating 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) needs to be reactivated said an outgoing Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) deputy chief commissioner.

The retiring deputy chief commissioner (management and professionalism) Datuk Seri Zakaria Jaafar (PIC) urged the Attorney-General (AG) Tan Sri Mohamed Mohamed Apandi Ali to revive the investigation team that has not met for some time.

“The special task force has not met since July, when MACC chief Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed returned from overseas to get more information on the case,” he said.

Zakaria, who was speaking during his retirement ceremony at the MACC academy on Monday said that the move would be in line with the decree by the Conference of Rulers for the 1MDB probe to be wrapped up speedily.

Zakaria also suggested that the result of the investigation should be presented to an independent panel before it is brought to the AG.

“The AG should also set up a panel to study the result of the investigation. The panel could consist of a former AG, a former judge and a representative of the Bar Council,” he said.

Abu Kassim who was at the ceremony, said that he was ready when asked about the suggestion to reactivate the task force.

Abu Kassim, who has been on medical leave since Aug 7 after undergoing surgery on his back, said he is returning for work on Tuesday.

“Actually I am still on medical leave until Oct 16 but I will start tomorrow, maybe a few hours a day,” he said yesterday.