TWELVE high-quality and expensive paintings by world-renowned artists linked to the embezzlement of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds worth around US$30 million (about RM140 million) will be exhibited at the National Art Gallery (BSN) for public viewing once they arrive in the country.
The works by world-renowned artists were returned to Malaysia after the US Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed they were linked to the 1MDB funds scandal.
Investigations revealed that the paintings were purchased by 1MDB corruption case witness Jasmine Loo, who is now under the control of the DOJ.
They are currently under the custody of auction companies, Christie's and Sotheby's Auction House US.
The assets under Sotheby's custody are currently in the process of being repatriated to Malaysia, while those under Christie's custody can only be returned by court order in the United States.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the agency responsible for bringing back the state-owned paintings, plans to hand them over to the National Art Gallery, which is more specialized in the care of such high-quality works.
It is understood that the painting may be displayed to the public as an important inspiration in the success of the country's enforcement operations, before further action is taken, including an auction to return the funds to the government.
Berita Harian understands that so far the eight paintings that will be brought home are: Trois Femmes Nues et buste d'homme by Pablo Picasso (1969); Still Life with White Pitcher (William H. Bailey, 1978); Studies for Sculpture (Alexander Calder, 1941); Femme assise (Henri Matisse, 1903); Conots et vapeurs sur la Marne (Raoul Dufy, 1920); Maison de rendez-vous de chasse de Henri IV, rue St Vincent, Montmartre (Maurice Utrillo, 1934); Etude pour femme couchée (Balthus, 1948) and L'Ecuyère et les clowns (Pablo Picasso, 1961).
It is understood that four more paintings are still awaiting the court order process.
Senior Director of the Special Operations Division of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin, when contacted by BH confirmed that several important plans will be made as soon as the artwork arrives in Malaysia, including being exhibited to the public.
He said that currently, logistical factors are the priority in bringing home the famous work.
"There are plans to hand it over to the National Art Gallery because the returned artwork is very valuable and needs to be carefully looked after by the government. We do not rule out the possibility that it will be exhibited to the public," he said. – December 24, 2025
