The Malaysian Bar has expressed concern over the manner in which Malaysian authorities have reacted to the serious allegations in the United States' Department of Justice (DOJ) latest civil forfeiture suit related to 1MDB.

“The allegations implicate officials of 1MDB, their families and other associates - including an individual described as 'Malaysian Official 1', who has since been acknowledged to be the prime minister - of wrongdoing.

“In view of the gravity of the claims, the manner in which the civil suits have been downplayed, dismissed, and even denounced by Malaysian authorities, without addressing the substance of the allegations made, is troubling and unacceptable,” said its president George Varughese.

He also noted how local news coverage regarding the DOJ suits appears muted...