This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on July 22, 2016.

KUALA LUMPUR: There has been no evidence from any investigation conducted by any law enforcement agencies in various jurisdictions that shows money has been misappropriated from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), said Attorney-General (AG) Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali.

In a statement yesterday, Apandi also said there have been no criminal charges against any individuals for the offence of misappropriation of funds from 1MDB, a strategic investment fund owned by the government.

As such, he expressed “strong concerns” at the “insinuations and allegations that have been made against the prime minister” of alleged criminal wrongdoing in relation to the civil action that was filed by the US Department of Justice (DoJ).

“The AG intends to clarify that at no point in the civil claim filed by the DoJ is the prime minister named as a defendant or has been alleged to have committed any wrongdoing,” stressed Apandi.

He also said the AG’s Chambers has yet to receive any request from the DoJ to obtain any information or evidence, but would welcome such a request, in line with its commitment to international cooperation in the fight against money laundering and corrupt practices.

“As the public prosecutor, the AG will not hesitate to initiate proceedings against the perpetrators of criminal acts provided there is sufficient evidence to do so. Any wrongdoing must and will be punished. Malaysia will always uphold the rule of law,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, he noted there is an ongoing investigation by the Royal Malaysia Police regarding matters related to 1MDB, hence it would not be appropriate to divulge details that may compromise the investigation.