THE government has to pay RM1.69 billion in interest payment for 1Malaysia Development Berhad’s (1MDB) debts this year, said Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng.

Putrajaya paid RM208.8 million interest for the 1MDB Energy Langat Limited bond today, which makes the total interest payment paid out this year to RM1.3 billion, Lim told reporters at the Parliament lobby.

There are two more interest payments for 1MDB Energy Langat bond of RM217.15 million and an Islamic medium-term note sukuk of RM143.75 million.

“This is not a small amount in the 1MDB scandal. We have to pay an interest payment of RM1.688 billion this year alone.”

The remaining payment for 1MDB Energy Langat has to be made by November 11 while payment for the sukuk is by November 29.

Lim said it was important to inform Malaysians on the amount that needs to be paid for the 1MDB scandal.

“This is not a small amount. The question raised is what do Malaysians get from this?

“What we got is only to be known worldwide as the champion of international kleptocracy.”

He added that the scandal has affected Malaysia’s international reputation and the government will take fiscal actions to overcome it.

He said the government will ensure the country did not go into default.

“Because if we go into default status, it will affect our ratings on the international level.” – October 18, 2018.