Rosmah says her family has become the target of public 'vilification' and are being put on a trial by the media even though none of them have been charged with any crime. — AFP pic

KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 — In her first public statement today, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor called on the authorities investigating the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal to rein in moles in their midst who are leaking information about her family’s private belongings.

Because of the leaks, the wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said their family has become the target of public “vilification” and are being put on a trial by the media even though none of them have been charged with any crime.

“Despite the overwhelmingly trying times afflicted upon us, we have, and will continue facilitating any inquiry, and avail ourselves to any requesting authorities.

“However, we would like to bring to attention about the seemingly compromised inquiry process, whereby a series of leaks pertaining to the probe has made its way into social media spheres, in real time,” Rosmah said in a statement to Malay Mail released by the law firm representing her, Valen, Oh & Partners.

She highlighted in particular, the details of the “alleged items confiscated” by federal investigators.

Rosmah did not mention the items or where they were taken from.

“It is our hope that the authorities would observe the rule of law and due process, to avoid a premature public trial.

“Enforcement agencies should not be feeding social media trolls, but observe and uphold strict professionalism at all times,” she added.

Federal investigators have been combing every inch of properties linked to Rosmah and Najib since last Wednesday, including the couple’s private mansion in Taman Duta, two luxury condominium units in Pavilion Residences here, the official residence of the prime minister in Seri Perdana, Putrajaya as well as the Prime Minister’s Office in Putra Perdana.

Several truckloads of private items, including hundreds of boxes of luxury handbags from famous brands like Hermes, Chanel and Gucci to name a few and luxury watches, and dozens of suitcases-worth of hard cash in various currencies have been confiscated.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad reopened investigations into the multi-billion dollar 1MDB scandal after returning to the office he vacated 15 years ago after winning the May 9 general election. But he said any action taken will wholly be by the book.

Najib is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act (AMLATFA) 2001.

For an offence under Section 4(1) of the AMLATFA, those convicted can be jailed up to 15 years and a fined not less than five times the sum or value of the proceeds of an unlawful activity or instrumentalities at the time the offence was committed or RM5 million, whichever is higher.

Najib and Rosmah have been blacklisted from leaving the country by the Immigration Department, but are free to travel anywhere domestically.