Gobind Singh Deo. – Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 28): The recent ruling in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) case represents an integral part of the larger effort required to bring about change in Malaysia, but the push for reforms must continue as the country moves into 2026, says DAP National Chairman Gobind Singh Deo.
In a statement today, the Damansara MP said the 1MDB case symbolised the urgent need for institutional reform, accountability and the restoration of integrity in public administration.
He said the MADANI Government had taken steps to amend the Audit Act and Parliamentary Services Act, among others, and had also commenced efforts to separate the roles of the Attorney-General and the Public Prosecutor to ensure transparency and accountability in prosecutions.
“But more must be done. There is now an urgent need to also push for reforms in enforcement agencies that deliver real change,” he said.
While acknowledging the efforts of all enforcement agencies in the country, the Digital Minister said there were problems that needed to be addressed to inspire greater confidence moving ahead.
“To do this, we need to deliver on reforms, develop better mechanisms which enhance good governance and build new structures needed in Malaysia to ensure that cases like these and the losses our country suffers as a consequence, does not repeat again in future,” he said.
Gobind also reiterated DAP’s firm stance against corruption and abuse of power, noting that the party, together with political leaders, civil society activists and concerned citizens, had pushed for action since the 1MDB scandal first surfaced.
He said the case, which had spanned more than a decade, not only gripped the nation but also attracted global attention, with the outcome of the prosecution closely watched.
“The sentence meted out by the trial judge underscores the severity of the offence committed. It sends a clear signal that offences of this nature are very serious and will not be looked upon lightly,” he said.
Gobind said the 1MDB scandal was not merely a criminal case but a defining test of Malaysia’s institutions, governance framework and political will to confront wrongdoing at the highest levels.
“It exposed deep systemic weaknesses that enabled the abuse of power to occur and persist for years, resulting in unprecedented financial losses and lasting damage to public trust,” he said.
On Friday, the High Court here sentenced former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, 72, to 15 years in prison and a fine of RM11.4 billion after he was found guilty of four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering involving RM2.3 billion from 1MDB funds. – Bernama
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