Billion Dollar Whale author praises Malaysian judicial system

SHAH ALAM - Co-author of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal book Billion Dollar Whale Tom Wright affirms the decision of the Federal Court in upholding the conviction of Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

This, he said, proved the national judiciary is not influenced by any parties including the former Prime Minister himself.

In fact, Wright said the decision showed the Malaysian judicial system is far 'healthier' than what was expected by many.

"Seven years ago, Najib fired former Attorney General (Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail) however, with the decision of the Federal Court yesterday he did not influence the judiciary.

"Even though Najib could attain royal pardon, but it is still a sign and positive step for Malaysia," Wright told Sinar Premium yesterday.

On Tuesday the Federal Court upheld the conviction and 12 year prison sentence as well as the fine of RM210 million for Najib who was found guilty of the misappropriation of funds worth RM42 million owned by SRC International Sdn Bhd.

The panel of five judges chaired by Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat unanimously made the decision after Najib's defence was found to be inconsistent and failed to raise doubts.

In the meantime, Wright added that the next step after the judgment of the SRC International case should be to unravel the 1MDB scandal that involved the former Prime Minister.

Wright was among the individuals who had exposed the controversy regarding the big financial fraud 1MDB since seven years ago.

Among the revelation made by Wright when he was at Wall Street Journal was a total of USD$681 million (RM2.6 billion) which was credited into Najib’s personal account from 1MDB.

After the exposure, Najib had allegedly threatened to sue his former employer.

Commenting on Low Taek Jho or Jho Low, Wright said the fugitive businessman was the most important piece of the puzzle in the 1MDB case and should be immediately brought home to face the court.

"Jho Low is suspected to be in China and needs to be tracked down and brought back to Malaysia to face judgment," he said

He also called out other countries involved in the 1MDB issue to play an active role and charge those involved in the misappropriation of 1MDB funds meant to be used by the Malaysian economy to be driven forward.

"Now, only Malaysia and Singapore had imprisoned individuals involved in the case.

“It is time for each country to play their role," he said.