Why did Mahathir, Muhyiddin, and Daim question the slow pace of charges against Najib?

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Mahathir, Muhyiddin, and Daim Questioned the Pace of Charges Against Najib Due to Uncompleted Investigations and Need for Overseas Evidence

In 2018, prominent political figures including then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, then Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, and the late Tun Daim Zainuddin separately inquired with the police regarding the delayed pressing of charges against former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and others in connection with the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal. These inquiries stemmed from a desire for updates on the investigation's progress.
Inquiries for Investigation Status Briefings

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad initiated requests for briefings on the 1MDB investigation status on two occasions in 2018: first on May 15, at the instruction of the Prime Minister's Office, and again in July at his residence. Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin received a briefing on July 23, 2018, followed by Tun Daim Zainuddin on August 9, 2018. These briefings were conducted under the explicit orders of these three individuals.
Police Explanation on Investigation Delays

During the briefings, the police informed Dr Mahathir that the investigations were not yet complete, primarily because crucial evidence from abroad was still required through mutual legal assistance channels. Dr Mahathir subsequently expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of charges being filed against Najib and other individuals involved in the 1MDB case, highlighting his concern over the perceived slow pace of legal proceedings.
Role of the Attorney General's Chambers

The police clarified to Dr Mahathir that while their investigation papers had been submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC), it was ultimately the AGC that held the authority to decide on the pressing of charges. Similar concerns were raised by Muhyiddin and Daim, with their questions and reactions specifically focusing on Najib and the directors and senior management of 1MDB.
Confirmation of No Interference in Charging Decisions

Despite their inquiries, the police confirmed that neither Dr Mahathir, Muhyiddin, nor Daim interfered in the decision-making process of the then attorney general Tan Sri Tommy Thomas regarding the charging of Najib. The investigation officer had proposed charges against 1MDB's directors and management, and the attorney general was briefed multiple times from July 2018 onwards. The attorney general also requested the police to pursue charges against individuals who had fled Malaysia, while those remaining in the country were to serve as witnesses in the charges against Najib.

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Why did Mahathir, Muhyiddin, and Daim question the slow pace of charges against Najib?

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