KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission signed a mutual legal assistance agreement with United Kingdom authorities last year as part of efforts to probe assets owned by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad there.
The deal was inked with the UK’s National Crime Agency in December.
Sources said the collaboration would allow MACC to seek assistance in investigate assets linked to the former prime minister, his family and associates.
They said MACC had previously held several meetings with the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre (IACCC), a unit under the NCA based in London, in relation to the case.
“MACC is now awaiting the official list of assets from UK authorities, (including on assets) involving such countries as Canada, Switzerland and Japan.
“Once the complete information is obtained, the MACC will initiate legal proceedings for the seizure and forfeiture of identified assets, as was done in the case involving Tun Daim Zainuddin previously,” said one source.
The source also noted that tracing and repatriating assets believed to have been misappropriated is neither simple nor quick, as it involves international legal instruments and cooperation with multiple foreign enforcement bodies.
“However, the investigation will continue transparently to ensure that all illegally acquired assets can be returned to the country,” the source added.
As part of investigations under the MACC Act, and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA 2001), the MACC has already summoned two sons of Dr Mahathir to declare assets owned both domestically and abroad.
Yesterday, it was reported that MACC was seeking detailed information from authorities in the UK regarding assets owned by Dr Mahathir.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki had said the investigation into Dr Mahathir was still ongoing, with efforts being made to obtain detailed information from foreign authorities.
He said the MACC was specifically requesting information from UK authorities concerning Dr Mahathir’s assets.
“If the information can be obtained, we will announce it later,” he said at a press conference at the MACC headquarters here today.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
