Did Najib seek favour from MACC chief on 1MDB probe?

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Najib Denies Seeking Favour from MACC Chief on 1MDB Probe

Datuk Seri Najib Razak stated in the High Court that he did not request a "favour" from the then Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief, Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed, concerning the 1MDB investigation. He maintained that while Abu Kassim had contacted him regarding the probe and indicated Najib was not involved, he never asked for any special treatment. Najib asserted that such a request would have placed him in a precarious legal position.
The Audio Clip and Investigation Paper

The inquiry into whether Najib sought a favour stemmed from a transcript of a phone call on January 5, 2016, between the Attorney General's Chambers' (AGC) then deputy public prosecutor, Tan Sri Dzulkifli Ahmad, and Najib, who was prime minister at the time. This conversation was related to an investigation paper concerning the MACC's probe, which had apparently mentioned Najib's involvement. Najib questioned this assertion, referencing Abu Kassim's prior indication that he was not implicated.
Briefing Versus Directing Action

Najib's defence was that the conversation with Dzulkifli was merely a briefing, not a directive to act in his favour. He explained that if he had attempted to influence the investigation, he could have faced charges. Najib also pointed out that he was neither investigated nor charged in relation to this recorded phone conversation or for any alleged tampering with the 1MDB investigation.
Prime Minister's Right to Information

Najib disagreed with the notion that it was improper for him, as prime minister, to receive an update on an investigation concerning him, arguing that he did not interfere. He stated that Dzulkifli was simply providing him with information and an update. He later learned that Abu Kassim had shared information with the US Department of Justice (DoJ) about 1MDB while Najib was still prime minister, expressing that it was unfair his statement was not recorded by the DoJ at that time.
Usual Practice and Task Force Legality

Najib described it as usual practice for the Attorney General or his deputies to brief the prime minister on public interest cases, with the caveat that they should not interfere in prosecutions. He also expressed his view that the special task force formed and chaired by then Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail was illegal, as the authority to form such a task force rests with the Cabinet, not the Attorney General.

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Did Najib seek favour from MACC chief on 1MDB probe?

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