No deadline to recover all 1MDB assets despite RM20.1b net burden, says Amir Hamzah

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan says Malaysia’s stock market remains stable, underpinned by transparent government policies and conditions conducive to foreign fund inflows. — Bernama pic

First Published: Wednesday, 28 Oct 2026 2:00 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — The government has not set a target year to conclude all claims and asset recovery efforts related to 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said

He said 2039 was the maturity year for the principal of government-guaranteed 1MDB-related Islamic Medium Term Notes (IMTN) sukuk, but this should not be construed as the deadline for settling all claims or recovering assets.

“The maturity period is distinct from the timeframe for resolving all claims and recovering 1MDB funds and assets.

“Under the current schedule, 2039 is the maturity date for the IMTN sukuk principal, not the deadline for settling claims and recovering assets,” he said during question time in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to Lee Chuan How (PH-Ipoh Timor), who asked about the target date for settling 1MDB’s remaining net liabilities and outstanding recovery claims, as well as the government’s timeline for fully discharging its obligations.

Amir Hamzah said the timeframe for resolving claims and recovering assets also depended on court decisions and enforcement proceedings, both domestically and overseas.

“The immediate priority is to meet financial obligations according to schedule while continuing efforts to recover as much of the misappropriated funds as possible.

“As of August 31, 2026, the government had paid RM42.5 billion to meet 1MDB-related debts and commitments, covering principal, interest and other costs.

“The remaining commitments under the government-guaranteed IMTN sukuk amounted to RM8.9 billion, comprising RM5 billion in principal and RM3.9 billion in interest up to maturity in 2039,” he said.

He said that after accounting for RM31.3 billion in fund and asset recoveries, the government’s net burden was estimated at RM20.1 billion, assuming no further recoveries.

Amir Hamzah also stressed that amounts claimed or awarded by courts could not yet be treated as sums certain to be recovered.

“The actual amount that can be returned to the country depends on court decisions, appeal proceedings, the assets that can be traced and the ability to enforce court orders, particularly overseas,” he said. — Bernama