KUALA LUMPUR – Former Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) governor Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz is denying any links between herself and her family, and the 1MDB scandal.
In a statement today, she emphasised that issues related to the scandal have been thoroughly investigated by BNM, the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
“I have given my fullest cooperation and provided PDRM (police) and MACC with all the necessary information in relation to the official investigations concerning 1MDB and the former prime minister (Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak),” Zeti said in a statement today.
However, she added that she is unable to comment further given that she is a potential witness in Najib’s criminal trial.
“It would therefore in my view be an interference with the ongoing trial and potentially sub judice for me to make any statements at this juncture,” she added.
Earlier today, opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged Zeti to explain ties she and her family may have to the 1MDB scandal.
The PKR president had referred to allegations implicating Zeti's family in 1MDB-related transactions linked to fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho – better known as Jho Low – and Singaporean financial institutions.
He asked her to clarify what she knew about 1MDB as it was unfolding, and whether members of her family benefited financially from deals with Jho Low.
“And whether, in her capacity as BNM governor, she knowingly permitted illicit fund transfers in and out of Malaysian bank accounts owned by politically exposed people,” he had said,
The PKR president highlighted that such allegations show that Malaysia remains a long way from resolving the 1MDB issue.
On December 29, Najib had also called on her to respond to a claim that her family had received over RM100 million from Jho Low, which included 1MDB funds.
In 2018, Zeti had denied her involvement in the massive fraud case, as well as knowledge of the RM2.6 billion found in former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s account. – The Vibes, December 31, 2020
