Malaysia's anti-graft chief opts for early resignation

Malaysia's anti-graft commission Chief Abu Kassim Mohamed has announced his retirement from his position, 18 months before his current tenure is due to expire.

The body is presently probing alleged irregularities involving mass losses at state wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said in a statement Thursday that Mohamed had departed for unknown reasons, emphasizing that no pressure had been placed on him and it was purely his personal choice.

"This is the third request by him and [it] got approved by the government. The previous two applications were rejected," said the commission.

MACC said the third request was made after Mohamed was appointed as faculty expert member of the International Anti-Corruption Academy, Austria -- an agency under the patronage of the United Nations.

Chief Secretary to the Government Ali Hamsa said Mohamed will continue as an anti-corruption service officer, until he reaches compulsory retirement Dec. 6, 2020.

Late last year, the MACC opened three investigations into Prime Minister Najib Razak over $681 million which was suspected of coming from the state wealth fund -- but was later ruled to be a political donation -- and two into former 1MDB subsidiary SRC International.