Petrosaudi's rebuttal should put matter to rest: Khairy

GEORGE TOWN: PetroSaudi International's rebuttal to online criticisms over its previous joint venture with 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) should have put the allegations against the Malaysian strategic development company to rest, Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said.
"I hope the clarification is true as it can help diffuse allegations over 1MDB transactions with PetroSaudi (a Saudi-based oil exploration and services company)," he told reporters after closing the Balik Pulau Mountain Bike Jamboree here today.
PetroSaudi, in a statement yesterday, said any suggestion of wrongdoing in the online allegations about the partnership were simply false as all the capital invested by 1MDB had been returned with profits.
Khairy, who is also the youth and sports minister, supported the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak's decision to ask the Auditor-General to independently verify 1MDB's accounts.
"This is a matter of public interest, we do not want the 1MDB issue to continue to become a subject of speculation. Cabinet ministers in principle had agreed that there is nothing to be protected or concealed in the matter in order to restore public confidence.
"If there is evidence of irregularities or elements of mismanagement in 1MDB's businesses, those involved should not be protected.
"We hope the matter can be unraveled during the investigations. If no evidence is found, we need to give 1MDB management some space to proceed with their plans," he said.
In another development, Khairy said the prime minister is expected to announce the date of the National Sports Day, aimed at inculcation the spirit of sportsmanship and adopting a healthy lifestyle, on March 24. – Bernama