Malaysia again knocks back Swiss request for help in 1MDB graft investigation
Malaysia has again rebuffed Switzerland’s request for legal assistance in probing suspected corruption linked to scandal-hit state fund 1MDB, the Swiss attorney general’s office said on Friday.
But it said Kuala Lumpur’s decision would not hinder the Swiss probe as it works with other countries on the case.
The Malaysian authorities remain free to use the information provided in Switzerland’s requests for assistance in their own investigations
“We respect Malaysia’s independent decision on this matter. However, the Malaysian authorities remain free to use the information provided in Switzerland’s requests for assistance in their own investigations,” Attorney General Michael Lauber said, confirming a report by the Financial Times.
“What is certain is that our own criminal proceedings, which are about maintaining the integrity of the Swiss financial system, will continue. We will ask other jurisdictions for support - for example Singapore, with which we have worked very well, other European jurisdictions and the US.”
The FT cited the Malaysian attorney-general’s chambers as saying it was unable to accede to Switzerland’s requests because of a continuing criminal investigation by Malaysian police in relation to matters concerning 1MDB.
Malaysia was committed to co-operating with international partners and there was “no issue of Malaysia blocking the Swiss criminal inquiry”, it added, according to the FT.
