@VellPaari : Recycled, Unproven and Unsubstantiated Allegations by the U.S. DOJ

Press Statement

Datuk Seri S. Vell Paari

19 June 2017

1. It is truly astounding that the United Sates Department of Justice (DOJ) continues to make so many unproven allegations in its recently updated civil law suit against certain assets. The DOJ must show documentary evidence to prove the unsubstantiated allegations, otherwise the civil law suit can only be deemed a "dog and pony show", purely for geopolitical purposes.

2. The original civil lawsuit was filed in July 2016 and it has taken the DOJ nearly 12 months to only now issue an updated version of the same civil lawsuit, which contains largely recycled information. The civil law suit has not even been heard in court yet. More importantly, in the DOJ's own words, "A civil forfeiture complaint is merely an allegation that money or property was involved in or represents the proceeds of a crime. These allegations are not proven until a court awards judgment in favor of the U.S."

3. Despite this, so many members of the opposition have automatically presumed the guilt of the parties alleged to be involved by the DOJ. It is clear that, despite failing miserably for the past two and a half years,  there continues to be a political conspiracy to try and use the 1MDB issue to topple a democratically elected government.

4. Under the professional leadership of Mr. Arul Kanda, it is an undeniable fact that 1MDB's successful rationalization exercise and the recent dispute settlement with IPIC, has resulted in 1MDB resolving the majority of its previous challenges.

5. Key projects started by 1MDB for the benefit of the nation, continue to be executed, such as the development and upgrading of 8 military and police bases as well as the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX). Earlier this week, after many months of detailed negotiations, TRX executed an agreement with HSBC Bank, the world's seventh largest bank, which has agreed to make TRX their regional Headquarters.

6. As for Bandar Malaysia, it will be an iconic transport oriented development, with the KL-Singapore High Speed Railway at its heart. Our Prime Minister summed it up perfectly, that Bandar Malaysia,

"..... in a key strategic position in our capital, it will become a new city centre for Kuala Lumpur and a vibrant new community for young people and families to live in, a thriving new centre for businesses both big and small, and a truly exciting new destination for those, including tourists, looking to enjoy the arts, culture and all Malaysia has to offer."

7.  The success of Barisan Nasional government policies is evidenced by the 5.6% GDP growth in the first quarter of 2017, which is the highest growth rate amongst Malaysia's peers. Furthermore, Malaysia has seen a double digit year-on-year increase in monthly exports for the past 6 months.

8.  I would also like to take this opportunity to highlight and agree with what has been said by Datuk Seri Panglima Md Salleh Said Keruak, Minister of Information and Communications of Malaysia. Opposition members and leaders who solicit assistance from foreign government to topple a democratically elected leader of this country are traitors the nation.

9. It is no secret that the opposition initiated the investigation by the US DOJ against 1MDB when they sent their henchmen to make a report in the US. Without this complain, there would not have been any investigation on 1MDB by the DOJ. Even that until today nobody from 1MDB has been called up by the DOJ to provide statements, evidence or be questioned. This clearly shows that the DOJ has no case against 1MDB.

10. Accordingly, I urge all fellow Malaysians to not be distracted by unproven allegations that do not benefit the country. In the spirit of Negaraku, let us focus on working together, to achieve our national transformation goals and ensure the country prosper for the benefit of the rakyat. Do not be influenced by the opposition propaganda and lies.

Thank You