FT tells Obama to act tough on 1MDB issue

NEW YORK: The action of the US Department of Justice against individuals and companies said to be linked to 1MDB is a signal from the Obama administration that Prime Minister Najib Razak no longer enjoys the unquestioning protection and support of the US.

In an editorial Tuesday, the Financial Times says: “As he nears the end of his tenure in the White House, (Barack) Obama should encourage all US agencies to pursue the 1MDB case to the full extent of American and international law.

Saying the US Justice Department’s decision to seize more than USD1billion in assets allegedly stolen from Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund has sent shockwaves through Malaysia, it adds that the current case has gone beyond the “usual levels of corruption” in the country.

The editorial observes that Malaysia had always been a staunch western ally and an example of moderate Islam in a world of increasing radicalisation.

Now, however, it says, those assumptions are in doubt.

“In Washington, Malaysia gets little airtime. If the topic crossed Barack Obama’s desk at all it was usually in the context of Najib’s strong support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal or his role as a moderate Muslim bulwark against extremism in Southeast Asia.

On Christmas Eve, 2014, the two leaders played a round of golf in Hawaii, something Najib has touted ever since as evidence of his American backing.”

It adds: “The Obama administration must not bow to Najib’s attempts to bounce Washington into continued support.”

It says Islamist radicalisation is likely to be exacerbated by the current drift towards authoritarianism and the climate of impunity in Malaysia and that the TPP is no longer a US priority and is opposed by both major presidential candidates.

Also, a Malaysian alliance with China against US interests is very unlikely.

So Obama can afford to take a tough stance.

Mukah Pages bring you trending news media Free Malaysia Today http://ift.tt/2aPB9hy