KUALA LUMPUR: Lawyers representing Datuk Seri Najib Razak have questioned the motive behind Auditor-General Tan Sri Madinah Mohamad’s statement that the final audit report on 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) had been altered, saying that it was political in nature.
In a statement issued by Shafee & Co - the law firm acting for the former prime minister - they said it was unusual for the Auditor-General to release a press statement to the public on a Sunday morning, and that it was made under orders of the Cabinet.
"This seems to indicate that there were political undercurrent and considerations taken for the decision to issue the said press statement," the firm said in a statement last night.
It added that without supporting documents, the auditor-general's statement would suggests that Najib had attempted to cover up the alleged wrongdoings in 1MDB and of business Low Taek Jho or Jho Low.
Madinah, through the National Audit Department Malaysia, was reported as saying that two notable facts were dropped from the audit report; about the status of the 1MDB financial account and the presence of Jho Low at the 1MDB board of directors meeting.
She also said that the alteration was made on the orders of Najib through his then principal private secretary Tan Sri Shukry Salleh.
Meanwhile, the law firm said it acknowledged the importance of public disclosure but any statements made, especially by the government, should take into account Najib's rights so that he is guaranteed a free trial without political interference.
Najib is currently faced with multiple charges of graft, power abuse and money laundering involving 1MDB funds.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has initiated investigation into allegations that the final audit report on 1MDB was altered.
MACC in a statement yesterday said it had also reviewed the original document to compare with the final draft issued by the National Audit Department.