THE thing about any report on 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) is that the truth eventually gets found out.

In Malaysia, 1MDB is a state investor big on corporate social responsibility that includes sending pilgrims for the Hajj.

For most parts of the world, 1MDB is a four-letter-word, four letters that describe a kleptocracy that has pushed the United States Department of Justice (DoJ) to move from civil suits to a criminal investigation.

And depending on who talks, 1MDB woes and debts can be explained away or be questioned further.

For example, Prime Minister Najib Razak has been charitable with the truth today. He said PAS had listened to 1MDB president Arul Kanda Kandasamy and made its stand that 1MDB should be allowed to carry out its rationalisation plan.

Fact is, PAS had also asked for a Royal Commission of Inquiry into what had transpired in 1MDB, how it had picked up a mountainous debt after several years of operation and needs a rationalisation plan.

Najib brings to light the skewed reporting on the discussion between PAS and Arul Kanda. The actual matter that was discussed and PAS’ stand on it remains hidden.

Also, Arul Kanda had allegedly briefed PAS leaders and Bandar Tun Razak MP Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, who quoted the 1MDB president as saying the state investor did not pay Abu Dhabi’s International Petroleum Investment Co (IPIC) because it had already made good that payment previously.

Well, days later, the move by 1MDB and Putrajaya to pay IPIC the equivalent of US$350 million showed the ridiculousness of Arul Kanda’s assertion.

When will those involved in the 1MDB saga come clean on its issues? It owes money to IPIC, that much is clear. It has lost money, that is clear too. It doesn’t and didn’t function well as monies raised from bonds have allegedly been used elsewhere or moved into other bank accounts.

Are those in the know merely copying US President Donald Trump by bending the truth and believing in their own delusions?

Because paying US$350 million is no illusion, especially if you have to rationalise your company and its debts. The question remains, who is responsible for this? And will any of them face the law?

No matter how Trump tells the tale, Russia remains an issue for him. Likewise, no matter how Najib speaks about 1MDB, it is a millstone for him. – August 12, 2017.