The former PM, who was accompanied by a team of lawyers, appeared calm despite the media attention

by AFIQ AZIZ / pic by AFIF ABD HALIM

Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Razak was grilled for five hours by the anti-graft body in a probe relating to 1Malaysia Development Bhd’s (1MDB) subsidiary, SRC International Sdn Bhd.

The former prime minister (PM) arrived at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters in Putrajaya at 9.45am, ahead of his questioning scheduled at 10am yesterday.

Dressed in a blue suit, Najib — who was accompanied by a team of lawyers — appeared calm despite the media attention surrounding him.

He emerged from questioning at 2.40pm, before leaving the premise at 3.15pm.

Speaking to reporters before leaving the MACC headquarters, Najib said, “Today’s statement to MACC is a follow-up from the statement I gave in 2015 regarding SRC International.

“This time, it is more detailed with some documents that were verified.”

Meanwhile, newly appointed MACC chief Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull (picture) clarified that Najib was called not to be charged or arrested.

“We are calling (Najib) to record his statement because we have received some extra information on the SRC International probe,” Mohd Shukri said in his first press conference as MACC commissioner held at its headquarters yesterday.

According to Mohd Shukri, the investigation is carried out according to the MACC Act 2009.

Mohd Shukri, who announced his early retirement in August 2016, said the reason for his return is due to “unfinished business” with the investigation on SRC International.

“On the RM2.6 billion case, the investigation will be carried out by the special task force under the Council of Eminent Persons, which was established by the government,” he said.

The special task force in a joint statement said it will focus on asset recovery, repatriate any fund and assets from 1MDB, and take criminal action against involved parties via the MACC Act and the AntiMoney Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

The statement was signed by Mohd Shukri, former Attorney General (AG) Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, former MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed and former Special Branch deputy director Datuk Abdul Hamid Bador.

In his “tell-all” presser, Mohd Shukri also claimed that Abdul Gani was discussing to press charges against Najib a day before the former AG was dismissed.

Mohd Shukri further said that MACC could not acquire overseas statements and evidence for the RM2.6 billion case.

“MACC was refused a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) by the AG’s office,” he said.

An MLA treaty is an agreement between countries for the purpose of gathering and exchanging information in an effort to enforce public or criminal laws.

“Now, we can get the documents and carry out the investigation smoothly,” he said.

The new MACC head also said he had feared for his life, saying that he was even followed in Washington during his quest to highlight the 1MDB case to the US authorities.

“I was even followed when I was in Washington. I then went to New York and managed to get some protection from an old friend,” he said.

Mohd Shukri was also reduced to tears when he recalled that some of his officers had been incarcerated or transferred.

“I felt helpless because I failed to protect my men,” he said.

“MACC witnesses were also taken away to stop the interrogation processes.”

Although Mohd Shukri had initial hesitation to return to MACC, he said it is difficult to say no to PM Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“I’m face to face with a man who is 93 years old and still working hard. I’m much younger than him. So, I accepted the job.

“Now I am back and accepted the offer to lead MACC, but on a condition as I said to the PM, I will be allowed to finish these cases — 1MDB’s RM2.6 billion and SRC International — and (I will) leave the organisation after that,” he explained.