How did civil servants handle the 1MDB settlement negotiations?

Question

Accepted Answer

Civil Servants Demonstrated Competency in 1MDB Settlement Negotiations

The handling of the US$1.8 billion (RM8 billion) settlement with Abu Dhabi’s International Petroleum Company (Ipic) and Aabar Investments PJS (Aabar PJS) by Malaysian civil servants has been highlighted as a testament to their competency. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed relief and satisfaction that the civil service lived up to the trust placed in them to manage government matters, specifically in the context of the 1MDB settlement, by relying minimally on external consultants. This approach, he noted, showcased the existing skills and expertise within the public service, which can be instrumental in restoring its image.
Minimal Reliance on External Consultants

During the negotiations for the 1MDB settlement, Malaysian officials, including those from the Attorney General's department, significantly reduced their reliance on external consultants. The Prime Minister specifically congratulated the Attorney General and his department for this achievement, underscoring that the primary handling of the complex legal proceedings was managed internally. This limited use of external expertise is seen as a demonstration of the capabilities inherent within Malaysia's civil service.
Leveraging Internal Expertise and Skills

The successful negotiation of the settlement exceeded initial expectations, with the final amount reaching US$1.8 billion, surpassing the target range of US$1.5 billion to US$1.7 billion. The Prime Minister emphasized that the expertise and skills possessed by civil servants, when encouraged and supported, can empower younger officers and allow them to operate with confidence. He suggested that by setting a good example, particularly by avoiding vested interests in dealings, officers can effectively execute the government's mandate with the full trust of the Cabinet.
Role of High-Level Relationships

While highlighting the competency of civil servants, the Prime Minister also acknowledged the crucial role played by high-level diplomatic relationships in facilitating the negotiations. He expressed his utmost gratitude to His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for leveraging his cordial relationship with Abu Dhabi’s president, Sheikh Mohamed Zayed Al Nahyan, to ease the ongoing discussions. This intercession helped to smooth the path for the settlement, complementing the diligent work of the negotiating teams.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

How did civil servants handle the 1MDB settlement negotiations?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends