1MDB debt in 2026: RM42.5b paid, but RM20.1b still remains

The Malaysian government's remaining financial responsibility for 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) is projected to be RM20.1 billion, should no additional fund or asset recoveries occur in the future. According to the Ministry of Finance (MOF), this represents the government's total financial commitments towards 1MDB — amounting to RM51.4 billion — after accounting for recovered funds and assets totaling RM31.3 billion.

The MOF revealed that, since assuming the debt obligations related to 1MDB in April 2017, the government has settled payments totaling RM42.5 billion, which includes RM27.7 billion in principal payments and RM14.8 billion in interest and other commitments. The ministry further disclosed that the outstanding commitment for government-guaranteed Islamic medium-term notes (IMTN) reaches RM8.9 billion, comprising RM5 billion in principal and RM3.9 billion in interest, with a maturity date set for 2039.

In terms of fund recovery initiatives, the MOF reiterated its commitment to pursuing claims and asset recovery efforts concerning 1MDB. The ministry stressed that criminal sentencing decisions or granting pardons to individuals do not automatically terminate civil claims for misappropriated funds, as civil claims are based on different grounds and procedures compared to criminal proceedings.

The MOF highlighted that any assessment of the government's and 1MDB's right to pursue civil claims should be evaluated based on the merits of the claims, the evidence presented, and court orders within those proceedings. The government's primary focus remains on maximizing the recovery of funds to settle 1MDB's obligations, alleviating the nation's financial burden, and protecting the interests of the people.