[UPDATED] Charles Santiago files police report against ex-AG Apandi over 1MDB

KUALA LUMPUR – Accusations of abuse of power relating to 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) continue to dog Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali as Klang MP Charles Santiago lodged a police report against the former attorney-general (AG).

Santiago said in a statement today that the report is to prompt investigations into Apandi, alleging that the former top prosecutor had fabricated information and lied while in office, which led to abuse of his powers.

He also claimed that Apandi abused his powers in an attempt to cover up the investigation into former 1MDB subsidiary SRC International Sdn Bhd and the 1MDB trial to exonerate former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

“I therefore hold the view that Apandi had fabricated evidence pursuant to Section 192 of the Penal Code and is punishable under Section 193 at the material time,” he said. 

Najib appointed Apandi as AG on July 27, 2015, replacing Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail. Apandi was later removed on June 4, 2018, less than a month after Pakatan Harapan came into federal power.

Najib was arrested on July 3, and convicted on July 28, 2020 over involvement in the SRC International case.  

Meanwhile, Santiago highlighted the judgement in the dismissal of Apandi’s RM10 million defamation suit against DAP’s Iskandar Puteri MP Lim Kit Siang.

Yesterday, Lim labelled Apandi “the worst attorney-general in the nation’s history” and called for him to refund the government millions in ringgit following the latter’s suit against Putrajaya over his unlawful dismissal.

Criticisms of Apandi were renewed after he revealed that he was approached by a representative of fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, to hold a meeting with the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC). 

Apandi said after he was contacted in May this year by Kobre & Kim, the law firm representing Low, he had arranged a series of meetings to discuss returning funds their client had allegedly taken from national sovereign fund 1MDB.

The Edge had quoted sources as saying that Low offered Putrajaya RM1.5 billion to cut a deal and alleged that Apandi had represented the man during negotiations. 

In an ensuing statement, the AGC said that it had rejected all offers made by Low to settle his charges with the government and confirmed that the offers were made this year via a representative. 

Low is often said to be the mastermind of the 1MDB financial scandal and is wanted by Malaysia over his role in looting at least US$4.5 billion (around RM20.2 million) from the development fund.

He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming that he was only acting as a middleman for Najib. – The Vibes, July 27, 2022