DAPSY Sarawak, heeding the call of DAP Sarawak Chairman YB Chong Chieng Jen, lodged a police report today urging the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to treat the 1MDB scandal and the issue involving the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) seriously, and to immediately open an investigation into the alleged RM1 million political donation received by SUPP.
DAPSY Sarawak Deputy Chief Roderick Wong Siew Lead said the police report was lodged in the public interest and in defence of accountability and the rule of law, stressing that the public has a right to know the true source, background, and purpose of the donation.
He emphasised that this was not an ordinary political contribution, as it allegedly originated from a former prime minister who was later convicted and imprisoned for serious financial crimes.
The source of Najib Razak’s funds has long been controversial and widely described in public discourse as stemming from the “kleptocratic era,” and therefore must not be trivialised or glossed over.
“The 1MDB scandal is a national disgrace and an international embarrassment that severely damaged Malaysia’s image,” Wong said.
He pointed out that the scandal not only caused domestic upheaval but also triggered investigations by the United States Department of Justice and authorities in multiple countries, with Najib Razak identified at the time as “Malaysian Official 1 (MO1).”
Wong added that the 1MDB scandal contributed to a surge in Malaysia’s national debt, forcing ordinary Malaysians to bear the consequences of misconduct from which they derived no benefit.
He further stressed that at the international level, assets and proceeds traced to 1MDB funds have been seized, forfeited, and returned to the Malaysian government.
“These assets include luxury yachts, jewellery, artworks, and other high-value properties. Political parties do not enjoy any special exemption, and SUPP should not be treated differently,” he said.
Therefore, Wong said that if SUPP did indeed receive the RM1 million donation, the authorities must investigate whether the funds involved any abuse of power, money laundering, or links to 1MDB or other illegal sources.
He emphasised that as the recipient of the funds, SUPP must be held to a higher standard of accountability and transparency, including clearly explaining:
- whether the donation was linked to any matters involving the Sarawak state government;
- whether there was any form of quid pro quo or exchange of benefits;
- whether it influenced the party’s political stance or policy direction; and
- whether the funds were properly declared, recorded, and audited in accordance with the law.
“If the money is proven to be linked in any way to 1MDB, SUPP must not only return the full amount but also face the appropriate legal consequences,” he said.
Wong also noted that at the time the donation was allegedly received, SUPP publicly praised Najib Razak as “the best prime minister Malaysia has ever had,” which inevitably raises legitimate public questions about possible political considerations or exchanges of interest.
“This is an issue that SUPP must explain clearly to the people, rather than responding with silence or avoidance,” he said.
He added that SUPP has governed Sarawak for nearly 60 years and has long benefited from state resources; therefore, it should lead by example by willingly subjecting itself to public scrutiny.
“This matter has gone beyond a simple political donation and has become a serious test of SUPP’s integrity, transparency, and public credibility,” he said.
He concluded by urging the police to take the report seriously, immediately open an investigation, and provide the public with a clear, responsible, and transparent explanation.
