Governance weaknesses that enabled the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal must be addressed through institutional reforms, Subang Member of Parliament Wong Chen said.
In a Facebook post today, the PKR lawmaker said stronger checks and balances, along with limits on executive power, are crucial to improving transparency and accountability in government.
He pointed out that during the period in question, Datuk Seri Najib Razak held multiple key positions simultaneously as prime minister, finance minister and chairman of 1MDB, which contributed to structural failures.
Wong also said key institutions, including Bank Negara Malaysia and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), failed to take appropriate action at the time.
“A stronger, well-resourced Parliament and reduced executive authority would greatly help prevent such failures,” he said.
He further called for mandatory audited and verified public asset declarations, stronger separation of powers and comprehensive political financing laws to curb what he described as widespread financial influence in politics.
However, Wong criticised the government for lacking the political will to implement these reforms.
“We already know what needs to be done. What is still missing is the willingness, along with the persistence of doublespeak,” he said.
Yesterday, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment and fined RM13.4 billion after being convicted of abuse of power and money laundering involving 1MDB funds.
