He described as “wishful thinking” the claims by several government leaders of Najib’s innocence because his name wasn’t mentioned in the asset-forfeiture papers filed by the US Justice Department.
Even though Najib’s name was not mentioned, in the context of the report, Mahathir claimed that everyone knew that the person with authority over 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) was Najib.
“Everything within the context of Malaysian Official One has similarities with Najib. I don’t know why they didn’t mention Najib.
“They mention others. But Najib and those who support him think that because his name wasn’t mentioned, he is innocent. That is wishful thinking,” Mahathir said while at a Hari Raya celebration.
Earlier this week, the US Justice Department filed a civil action to seize USD1 billion worth of assets allegedly obtained through funds belonging to 1MDB.
1MDB is the government’s investment arm and is wholly-owned by the Finance Ministry, which is headed by Najib as finance minister. There is also a Second Finance Minister holding the portfolio.
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