Did Najib pressure KPMG to conclude the audit?

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Najib Razak Applied Pressure on KPMG Regarding 1MDB Audit

Datuk Seri Najib Razak exerted pressure on the audit firm KPMG to conclude the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) 2013 financial statements audit, despite the firm's reservations about a purported US$2.3 billion overseas investment. This pressure included a direct meeting with KPMG representatives, where Najib conveyed his desire for a swift conclusion, and ultimately led to 1MDB changing its auditors from KPMG to Deloitte shortly thereafter.
Meeting with KPMG Representatives

In December 2013, Najib met with KPMG representatives, including managing partner Datuk Johan Idris, at his private residence in Kuala Lumpur. During this meeting, Najib assured KPMG that he was aware of the US$2.3 billion investment by Brazen Sky Limited and questioned the audit firm's continued doubts. He explicitly expressed a desire for KPMG to conclude the 1MDB financial statements audit before December 31, 2013.
Jho Low's Strategic Guidance

Prior to the meeting, Low Taek Jho provided Najib with a written script outlining a strategy for engaging with KPMG. This guidance included instructions for Najib to express confidence in BSI Bank, the fund manager for the purported investment, and to suggest that KPMG issue disclosure notes rather than qualify the accounts. The strategy emphasized that Najib should state he was briefed, aware of the transactions, and comfortable with them, given all the facts.
Auditors Replaced After Unresolved Doubts

Despite Najib's assurances and the provided script, KPMG remained dissatisfied with the documents and answers presented, and thus did not conclude the audit. Following pressure from Najib to close the financial statements and for the company's reputation, 1MDB initiated the process to change auditors. Approximately two weeks after the meeting with KPMG, 1MDB appointed Deloitte as its new auditors.
Direct Communication and Approval of Termination

Najib also directly contacted 1MDB CEO Mohd Hazem multiple times via phone, stressing the urgency of concluding the 2013 financial statements audit. On December 31, 2013, Najib, in his capacity as finance minister, formally approved the termination of KPMG as 1MDB’s auditors through a written resolution, with Deloitte KassimChan set to replace them.

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Did Najib pressure KPMG to conclude the audit?

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