The updates on the progress of the investigations carried on 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) including testimonials from witnesses will not be revealed to the public, said Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali.

The newly minted Attorney-General said, the advice, instructions, directions or guidance given to the investigation agencies will also not be disclosed.

“While the public is entitled to be informed, the details of the criminal investigations which contain, among others, contents of statements given by witnesses are privileged and the law prohibits such matters from being disclosed,” he said in a statement today.

Mohamed Apandi said, this is crucial to preserve the integrity of the investigation as the public must not doubt the investigation.

The A-G was commenting on concerns raised by five independent panels of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), urging the investigations on 1MDB be expedited with “no interference or pressure on the special task force”.

The five panels, who play an advisory role to the MACC, have also urged that the A-G’s Chambers, the police, Bank Negara Malaysia and MAA be given the “latitude to conduct the investigations without fear or favour”.