Malaysian Bar president George Varughese has deemed it “inappropriate” for MACC chief commissioner Mohd Shukri Abdull to publicly reveal details that could affect the ongoing investigation into 1MDB.
“It is inappropriate and unprofessional for the new MACC chief commissioner to divulge details of what allegedly transpired in respect of the 1MDB investigations prior to his retirement (in 2015).
“This is especially so since fresh investigations are ongoing, as it could potentially jeopardise and prejudice the case,” he told Malaysiakini when contacted today.
This was in response to Shukri’s 'tell all' press conference on the 1MDB affair yesterday, where he claimed to have received a bullet in the mail, been stalked abroad, and threatened with arrest by the police for conspiring against the government while investigating the scandal in 2015.
His press conference was held at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya, with former premier Najib Abdul Razak questioned simultaneously at the same venue about former 1MDB subsidiary SRC International.
Earlier today, 1MDB committee chairperson Abu Talib Othman similarly advised againstmaking public statements regarding the state strategic investment fund for the same reason.
'Shukri only described gov’t interference'
On the contrary, lawyer Syahredzan Johan did not think Shukri’s statements would affect any ongoing probes as they described alleged government interference into investigations, and not any wrongdoing by 1MDB per se.
“I do not think it will prejudice any criminal trials.
“The press conference is not about the alleged offence itself, but about alleged interference into investigations by the government,” Syahredzan said when contacted about yesterday’s event.
“It is just like a press conference by the police after an operation.
“It must be remembered that we do not have a jury system, where such statements may influence jurors in the future,” he added.
Syahredzan said Shukri could perhaps have “toned down” his words, but doubted that it would be an issue against the accused in a trial. -Mkini
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