1MDB: Malaysia Has Recovered RM29.7B!

 

The Malaysian government has recovered RM29.7 billion (S$9 billion) in funds relating to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and its former unit SRC International since the establishment of the Assets Recovery Trust Account, according to the Finance Ministry. As at end-July, RM42.17 billion has been channelled to 1MDB to finance debt repayments and fulfil the company’s commitments. 

Of the amount, RM15.44 billion was from the Finance Ministry and the Minister of Finance (Incorporated) in the form of shareholder advances or loans, while RM26.73 billion came from the proceeds of 1MDB’s asset recovery. 

1MDB, a state investment fund that took shape under former prime minister Najib Razak. Najib has been convicted of crimes linked to 1MDB and is seeking to spend the remainder of his term under house arrest. His detractors are calling for those who “miss the Bossku era” to repay the 1MDB debts amassed by him. He is expected to be released in 2028. 

There are many in the anti-Bossku faction who feel that the family has not suffered much. How can taxpayers’ money be used to settle 1MDB debts? Then remember that his son owes RM1.7b in tax arrears to IRB. 

As expected, Bossku’s sympathisers would defend their idol by likening the 1MDB debt to “bank loans” to finance projects that benefit the country, i.e. the TRX Exchange. Some even diverted the attention to questioning why fugitive financier Jho Low @ Low Taek Jho who is often described as the mastermind of the 1MDB scandal is still on the loose while Bossku serves his sentence. 

The point is did he or did he not work with parties to siphon RM42b of rakyat’s money? For now, the courts think so. Do we tolerate white collar crime, with the argument that if one returns a portion then we should go easy on the sentence? This development will not help this nation. One standard for the poor who steals a tin of Milo and another for a PM who steals billions with no remorse, contriteness or apology! 

References:

Malaysia has recovered $9b in funds linked to 1MDB, The Straits Times, 14 August 2025 

“Don’t burden 1MDB debts repayments on taxpayers; get Bossku’s sympathisers, glorifiers to settle them”, Focus Malaysia, 18 August 2025