‘Impossible’ to overturn decision to clear Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak
It would be constitutionally “impossible” to overturn the decision to clear the Malaysian prime minister, Najib Razak, of corruption, a source close to the PM’s department has told the Guardian.
The comments follow allegations that the country’s attorney general had ignored a recommendation from the top anti-corruption body that Najib be charged for criminal misappropriation.
The attorney general said on Tuesday that US$681 million transferred into Razak’s personal bank account was a gift from the royal family in Saudi Arabia , and there were no criminal offences or corruption involved. The statement in effect ended the domestic investigation into Razak.
READ MORE: Not bribery’: Malaysia’s attorney general says Najib’s US$681 million was ‘gift’ from Saudi royals in twist to 1MDB scandal
However, media reports subsequently quoted unnamed sources in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) saying it had recommended Najib be charged.
It’s impossible for the attorney general’s decision to be legally overturned. Not even the highest court in Malaysia can. The constitution would have to be changed, and that’s not going to happen
“It’s impossible for the attorney general’s decision to be legally overturned,” the source said, requesting anonymity as he was not allowed to speak publicly to the press. “Not even the highest court in Malaysia can. The constitution would have to be changed, and that’s not going to happen.”
Najib, who has weathered months of calls from opposition leaders and establishment figures to resign, has denied any wrongdoing and says he did not take any money for personal gain.
The prime minister said on Tuesday he welcomed the attorney general’s comments, which “confirmed what I have maintained all along: that no crime was committed” and added that the “issue has been an unnecessary distraction for the country”.
READ MORE: Official explanation of Najib Razak’s US$681 million ‘Saudi gift’ met with widespread outrage and incredulity
The MACC’s chief commissioner, Abu Kassim Mohamed, said in a statement on Thursday that the body “is in no way disputing or challenging the attorney general’s clearance of the cases against the prime minister”.