Closing the book on 1MDB issue once and for all
(The Star) – Responses to the 1MDB issue have been compiled into a booklet to quash accusations that the Government has not answered questions over the controversial sovereign fund.
The 62-page book Siapa Kata Tidak Dijawab (Who Says It’s Unanswered) contains answers given by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah and the company’s president and group executive director Arul Kanda Kandasamy over the past months.
The book, published by the Communication and Multimedia Ministry’s special affairs department, was first distributed during the “Amanat Hari Kebangsaan” event at the KL Convention Centre on Aug 30.
It will be circulated to the people at major public events.
The book has three sections – a foreword, 32 frequently asked questions (FAQs) and the 1MDB story as well as infographics and photographs for easy understanding.
“This book is proof that contrary to allegations, answers have already been given,” said the foreword.
“It is hoped there will be no more allegations that 1MDB issues are not addressed.”
Among the contents include a denial that RM42bil had gone missing, pointing out that of the amount, RM18bil was used to buy independent power plants (IPPs).
It also made clear that the company only received RM1mil in equity from the Government in 2009 and a short-term loan of RM950mil in March this year.
“1MDB is not directly funded by the Government and has to look for its own fundings in local and international capital markets and invest using its own capital,” the book explained. “The RM42bil is in the form of bank loans, bonds and sukuk.”
It said that since February, the Prime Minister, Ahmad Husni and Arul Kanda had made several appearances in the media to answer questions on 1MDB.
