Malaysia must explain US$700 million donation: international anti-graft group

“Things are certainly not as gloomy as they have been made out to be”, he told an worldwide delegation of graft fighters and accountability advocates during the opening of the global Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) at the Putrajaya worldwide Convention Centre on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak did not show up at the 16th worldwide Anti-corruption Conference (IACC) here as he was advised not to, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Paul Low.

The hall, which comprised delegates from across the world, broke into applause at his statement.

They demanded Najib’s removal and thorough reforms by Malaysia’s 58-year-old government, which is frequently hit by corruption scandals.

He said in recent weeks, the attorney-general “who was critical of the government” was replaced, the task force probing into 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) was suspended, investigators were‎ arrested, and newspapers suspended.

Two MACC directors who spoke out received notices of transfer, but these were cancelled following a public outcry over what was seen as government interference in the work of an independent agency.

“If not, the IACC should not have been held in Malaysia at all, and instead of being a pride and honour for hosting the 16th IACC in Malaysia, it has become a badge of dishonour and disgrace”, Mr Lim said. That is not what is needed at this time.

Ugaz, a Peruvian lawyer with a history of taking on grand corruption‎, said only “one man” could provide answers, in an apparent reference to Najib.

Najib was earlier scheduled to deliver his keynote address and open the conference.

“Based on my experience as former president of Transparency global Malaysia, I anticipate a tense conference”.

Low said he could foresee situation of confrontation as the prime minister was plagued by various allegations in recent months.