Which book says 1MDB debts are all paid? Anwar wants to know

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 19 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today dismissed claims that all 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) debts have been paid.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the government is still footing the bill, interest included, The New Straits Times reported.

“Some say all 1MDB debts have been paid. I don’t know what book they read that from, but it is not true.

“Our debts, including the interest, must be paid,” he was quoted as saying at the Finance Ministry’s monthly assembly here.

The Finance Ministry has put the government’s total 1MDB-related obligations at RM51.4 billion, of which RM42.5 billion has been paid and RM8.9 billion remains outstanding.

It has also said RM31.3 billion has been recovered through asset recovery efforts, which would leave a net burden of RM20.1 billion if no more money is clawed back.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said repayments on old debts must carry on even as the government keeps a tight lid on new borrowing and works to reduce the national debt.

He said a responsible government borrows only what it must to manage the economy, while planning ahead.

“You should not burden the future generation to pay for the excesses of the present,” he was quoted as saying.

Anwar said sound fiscal management must go hand in hand with strong governance and political will.

He cited the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act as one way of strengthening parliamentary oversight.

The Parliamentary Services Act, he said, shows the government’s commitment to curbing executive powers and boosting democratic accountability.