Anwar Appoints Johari To Lead 1MDB Taskforce Against Goldman Sachs

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Telegram for the latest stories and breaking news.

Anwar told Dewan Rakyat yesterday, 9 March, that the special task force was formed to resolve matters after Johari raised issues concerning the multibillion-ringgit scandal in Dewan Rakyat recently, including the settlement reached with Goldman Sachs Group, reported Bloomberg.

According to Anwar, he agreed with the criticism Johari raised on Malaysia's settlement deal with Goldman Sachs in 2020, which was carried out by the Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin-led government.

As per the settlement, Goldman Sachs was asked to pay the government RM11.3 billion in cash and guarantee the return of RM6.33 billion in 1MDB assets seized by authorities around the world.

Johari, who is the Titiwangsa member of parliament (MP), had accused Goldman Sachs of taking advantage of inadequate negotiations by Muhyiddin's administration. He also urged Anwar's administration to investigate those involved in the settlement, saying Malaysia had been short-changed in the matter.

"Goldman Sachs profited off our hardship and pain," said Anwar.

"[Johari] raised the issue about Goldman Sachs and 1MDB," said Anwar, adding, "That is why I appointed the Titiwangsa MP to chair a task force to resolve issues related to 1MDB."

According to Bloomberg, Goldman Sachs and the Malaysian government are currently in dispute over how much the US bank owes Malaysia for its role in raising USD6.5 billion (RM29.4 billion) in 2012 and 2013.

Last month, Johari told Dewan Rakyat that the RM11.3 billion figure agreed upon was too little.

"Why should we sacrifice money that we can get from the number one investment bank in the world? How can we allow Goldman Sachs just to run away like that when its senior management was involved?" Johari said.