An anti-corruption expert who once served as an adviser to Prime Minister Najib Razak expressed his disappointment over the PM’s reluctance to reveal the truth regarding a RM2.6 billion transfer into his personal bank accounts in 2013, two months before the 13th General Elections.
Michael Hershman, who spoke at the International Anti-Corruption Conference in Putrajaya today, said he had “great respect” for Najib due to th PM’s support for national anti-corruption initiatives.
“Let’s not forget he has given a lot of resources and flexibility to the MACC. They are one of the best funded and largest anti-corruption agencies in the world and it’s in part due to his policies that it has happened,” he said, as quoted by The Malay Mail Online‘s Ida Lim.
“I respected him and I believe in his integrity and to say disappointed is a bit of an understatement.
“I’m still willing to believe in him but he’s got to come forward to tell the truth.”
Hershman also urged against conducting a cover-up of the facts pertaining to the money transfer, saying that such a move would only “delay the inevitable”.
“The truth will come out, and in my experience, the sooner it comes out, the better it is for the accused and for the country,” he said.
When asked, Hershman stated that he has not served in an advisory capacity to Najib for a number of years, and had not been contacted by the Prime Minister’s Department on work matters during that time.
Najib was advised not to attend the International Anti-Corruption Conference, due to concerns over his “personal safety”.
