By Shikin Louis & Chris Bishop
KUCHING, Oct 27: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has accepted the former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s public apology regarding the misconduct involving 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
During a press conference after the opening ceremony of the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta and Sarawak Regatta at Kuching Waterfront yesterday (Oct 26), a reporter asked Abang Johari for his response on the matter.
“We accept it; we accept his apology,” he said briefly.
On Oct 24, Najib, in a statement read by his eldest son, Dato Mohd Nizar Najib, who is the Peramu Jaya assemblyman in Pahang, at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex, issued a public apology to all Malaysians over the 1MDB debacle.
“After much reflection over the course of 26 months in prison and following significant recent developments relating to 1MDB, I have decided to make the following statement.
“First and foremost, it pains me every day to know that the 1MDB debacle happened under my watch as minister of finance and prime minister. For that, I would like to apologise unreservedly to the Malaysian people.
“The recent court hearings and conviction of the PetroSaudi executives in the Switzerland courts as well as the recent article by The Edge, based on their analysis of the case as well as internal PetroSaudi emails in their possession, again proves that I am not the mastermind and did not collaborate with Jho Low (fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho) in deceiving 1MDB of its funds,” Najib said in the statement.
Najib was sentenced to a 12-year jail term in Kajang prison on Aug 23, 2022, for graft linked to 1MDB. The sentence was later halved by the Federal Territories Pardons Board.
On upcoming Oct 30, the Malaysia High Court will decide if the prosecution has made out its case, which would require Najib to enter his defence in the 1MDB trial, or if he will be acquitted of the charges against him. — DayakDaily
