The Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism has urged the government to reform government-linked companies following Najib Razak’s guilty verdict in the 1MDB case.
It highlighted the High Court’s finding that fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, known as Jho Low, exerted major influence over 1MDB without any official role.
C4 noted that politicians are still appointed to leadership positions in federal statutory bodies and GLCs, risking conflicts of interest.
Influence of Jho Low
The court found that 1MDB officers followed Low’s instructions, believing he acted with Najib’s endorsement.
“Have there been any effective reforms to the management and governance of GLCs to prevent a similar situation from occurring in the future?” C4 questioned in a statement.
Extradition and Accountability Demanded
C4 pressed Putrajaya to urgently seek Low’s extradition to Malaysia so he can face charges for his role in the 1MDB scandal.
It also called for accountability for those who promoted the now-discredited “Arab donation” story regarding funds in Najib’s accounts.
C4 pointed to Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief Azam Baki and deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for publicly supporting the donation narrative.
Specific Criticisms
The court described the MACC’s Riyadh visit, supervised by Azam, as pre-planned to bolster the donation claim.
Zahid had stated he met a representative of the donor family in support of the story.
Broader Institutional Changes Needed
C4 stressed the need for institutional reforms, including stronger oversight and independent appointments for the MACC.
It advocated creating an independent public prosecutor office and laws to regulate political donations.
Recap of Court Decision
The High Court yesterday sentenced Najib to 15 years in prison and a RM11.387 billion fine after convicting him in the 1MDB case.
Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah ruled the jail term would start in 2028, following Najib’s current six-year sentence in the SRC International case.
Najib was found guilty of four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering involving RM2.28 billion from 1MDB funds deposited into his AmBank accounts between February 2011 and December 2014.
