U.S. prosecutors have linked the prime minister of Malaysia, a key American ally in Asia, to hundreds of millions of dollars allegedly siphoned from one of the country's economic development funds, according to a civil lawsuit seeking the seizure of more than $1 billion of assets from other people connected to him.
The move sets up a rare confrontation between U.S. prosecutors and an important partner in the fight against terrorism. The moderate Muslim nation is also a counterpoint to China's rising ambitions in Asia. |