PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim responded succinctly to Datuk Seri Najib Razak's apology for the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) financial scandal.
"Terima baik (well-received)," said Anwar when questioned by the press after Friday prayers at Surau Ar-Rahman Presint 16 today (Oct 25).
His brief remark came after Najib issued a public apology regarding his role in the scandal. The former prime minister, however, maintained his innocence as he claimed he was deceived by fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho.
Anwar attended the congregational prayer following a meal at D'Laila Kitchen, Precinct 16 Food Court. He arrived at the food court at 12.40pm, where he was warmly greeted by more than a hundred pupils, including those from Sekolah Kebangsaan Putrajaya Presint 16(1), and engaged with residents who were dining there.
Yesterday (Oct 24), Najib's apology was read out by his eldest son, Datuk Mohamad Nizar, to the press outside the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex.
Najib said that PetroSaudi and Low had collaborated to deceive him, and that he was not aware that PetroSaudi was siphoning 1MDB funds, based on Swiss court proceedings and an analysis by The Edge.
The High Court is expected to deliver its verdict on the case at the conclusion of the prosecution's case next week.
Najib was charged under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act. which provides for imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of up to five times the amount or value of the bribe, or RM10,000, whichever is higher, if found guilty.
For the 21 charges of money laundering, Najib is accused of committing the offences between March 22, 2013, and Aug 30, 2013.
All the charges are under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFA), which carries a maximum fine of RM5 million and imprisonment of up to five years, or both, upon conviction.