KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the issue surrounding 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) has been politicised by certain elements, adding that Malaysian authorities have led the way in investigations into the troubled state fund.

In an interview with the Nikkei Asian Review, Najib pointed out that he was the first to instruct Malaysian authorities to investigate the company.

“Malaysian authorities have actually led the way in investigations into 1MDB. It was I who first instructed multiple authorities in Malaysia to conduct investigations,” he said in a written response to the business publication.

Najib said 1MDB has been subjected to investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, the auditor-general, the police and the Public Accounts Committee.

He added that he has made clear that full cooperation should be extended to any investigation, provided it is in accordance with the laws of Malaysia.

“Furthermore, as I have consistently stated, if any wrongdoing is proven, the law will be enforced without exception,” he said.

“However, it is important to note that this has become a highly politicised matter, with certain elements within Malaysia attempting to exploit this for their own personal political benefit, and feeding foreign authorities with, at times, false or incomplete information.

“Those outside of Malaysia cannot always appreciate these complexities, but it is something they should bear in mind to avoid becoming entangled in what has become a domestic political matter,” he added.

Malaysian authorities have noted weaknesses in the management of 1MDB, but have not charged anyone with committing any offence.

Investigations related to 1MDB are also being carried out by Singapore, Switzerland and the US, including money laundering offences.