PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional leaders have roundly criticised recent statements made by the United States’ Department of Justice (DoJ) in relation to a civil lawsuit pertaining to assets of the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

At a press conference at Cyberjaya yesterday, Minister in the Prime Mi­nister’s Department Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan said DoJ’s announcement of its lawsuits rela­ted to 1MDB was “heavy-handed”.

“It could be motivated by politics rather than the law. The manner in which they announce the case is unbecoming. The language that was used was heavy-handed.

“The case has not been brought to court, yet they make statements that imply certain facts. If it is still being investigated, why do they make conclusions?” he said.

Abdul Rahman said on Monday that the civil suit was clearly triggered by complaints by individuals with a “heinous political agenda” against the Prime Minister and the Government.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the issue has been exploited by irresponsible parties for their own gain.

In a statement yesterday, Liow said the Government has concluded that 1MDB’s troubles were caused by a poor business model, weak management, and an over-reliance on leverage.

“The 1MDB issue has been over politicised by irresponsible parties, in their efforts to overthrow a de­­mocratically elected government.

“And now, these irresponsible parties have gone to the extent of willing to work with foreign forces to achieve their agenda,” he said.

Liow said he is pleased that both the Attorney-General’s Chambers and 1MDB have committed to extend their cooperation in relation to the civil lawsuit.

“This open and transparent approach proves that there is no­­thing to hide,” he added.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri His­hammuddin Hussein also recently slammed DoJ’s statements as “irres­ponsible”, saying they came without any concrete action.

-The STAR-