DAP’s Gobind Singh says 1MDB verdict is a start, but Malaysia needs urgent reforms in enforcement and governance to prevent future scandals.
KUALA LUMPUR: The recent verdict in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad case is a crucial step, but Malaysia must push for deeper institutional reforms as it enters 2026, says DAP National Chairman Gobind Singh Deo (pic).
The Damansara MP stated the case highlighted an urgent need for institutional reform, accountability, and restoring integrity in public administration.
He acknowledged the MADANI Government’s steps, including amending the Audit Act and Parliamentary Services Act. Efforts to separate the Attorney-General and Public Prosecutor roles have also begun to ensure prosecutorial transparency.
“But more must be done. There is now an urgent need to also push for reforms in enforcement agencies that deliver real change,” Gobind said in a statement.
While recognising enforcement agencies’ work, the Digital Minister said problems must be addressed to build greater public confidence moving forward.
He called for reforms that develop better governance mechanisms and new structures to prevent similar future cases and national losses.
Gobind reiterated DAP’s firm stance against corruption and abuse of power. He noted the party, alongside activists and citizens, has pushed for action since the scandal first emerged.
The decade-spanning case gripped the nation and attracted global attention, with the prosecution’s outcome closely watched worldwide.
“The sentence meted out by the trial judge underscores the severity of the offence committed,” he said. It sends a clear signal that such offences are serious and will not be treated lightly.
Gobind said the 1MDB scandal was a defining test of Malaysia’s institutions, governance, and political will to confront high-level wrongdoing.
“It exposed deep systemic weaknesses that enabled the abuse of power to occur and persist for years,” he stated. This resulted in unprecedented financial losses and lasting damage to public trust.
On Friday, the High Court sentenced former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to 15 years in prison and an RM11.4 billion fine. He was found guilty on four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering involving RM2.3 billion from 1MDB funds.
