KOTA KINABALU – The government has successfully secured RM8.1 billion related to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) affair after being firm when negotiating for the lost funds with Abu Dhabi companies, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.
“This money will be returned to the national treasury, the money that was once lost, but we were firm in our negotiations.
“There were no commissions to the prime minister, negotiator, or lawyers – but there must be a maximum return to the country. RM8 billion was returned because of integrity,” he said.
He was delivering his speech at a ceremony to meet with federal and Sabah civil servants at the Sabah International Convention Centre here today.
Yesterday, Abu Dhabi’s state-owned International Petroleum Investment Company (Ipic) and Aabar Investments PJS (Aabar PJS) agreed to pay US$1.8 billion (RM8.1 billion) to the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MoF Inc) and 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
This came about after MoF Inc and 1MDB reached a settlement regarding their dispute with the two companies.
In November last year, a London judge gave the go-ahead to Malaysia to press its case against Ipic and Aabar PJS for their role in the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal.
Following the development yesterday, the Finance Ministry said that with the settlement Malaysia and Abu Dhabi look forward to continuing to “work together for the prosperity and economic benefit of both countries in the future”.
Anwar said that it is a great example of how good governance can save a country.
“Look at the situation today. I assure you that we acted with integrity. RM8 billion is now going into the national treasury, not even a sen is leaked,” he said.
Meanwhile, Anwar said that a group of about 80 to 90 businessmen from Saudi Arabia had visited Malaysia recently and expressed interest to invest in the country.
“We will receive good news about a huge investment. I have yet to announce…maybe in a couple of days,” he said. – The Vibes, February 28, 2023
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