Why did Tony Pua call Straits Times reporting on 1MDB misreporting?

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Tony Pua Criticised Straits Times for Alleged Persistent Misreporting on 1MDB

Tony Pua stated that The Straits Times (ST) had persistently misreported on 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) by claiming the Pakatan Harapan government was struggling to make a US$50.3 million (RM209 million) interest payment to IPIC. Pua asserted that the Ministry of Finance (MoF) had already authorised and made the October coupon payments without issue, contradicting ST's reports. He further explained that a full settlement to IPIC before the October 15 deadline would implicitly recognise inherited liabilities from the previous administration, potentially encouraging other creditors.
Alleged Difficulties in Interest Payment

The Straits Times published stories citing senior government officials who alleged that the Pakatan Harapan government was facing difficulties in paying a US$50.3 million (RM209 million) interest payment on a 1MDB bond to IPIC, which was reportedly due on October 15. This reporting implied a struggle by the current administration to manage the financial obligations inherited from the previous government.
Previous Interest Payments and Unfettered Authorisation

Pua countered that the MoF had already paid an earlier interest payment of RM143.75 million on May 30 for a 1MDB bond that was guaranteed by IPIC. He asserted that the MoF had already authorised and made the October coupon payments without any complications, questioning the accuracy of ST's sources and their reference to a "dangerous precedent."
Implications of Full Settlement

Pua elaborated that a full settlement to IPIC before the October 15 deadline would signify the Pakatan Harapan government's explicit recognition of the liabilities and commitments inherited from the previous government concerning 1MDB. He warned that this recognition could set a dangerous precedent, likely encouraging other creditors of the sovereign fund to demand the settlement of their debts.
Clarification on Debt Owed to Mubadala

Furthermore, Pua clarified that the Malaysian government did not owe US$6.89 billion (RM28.65 billion) before interest charges to IPIC's parent company, Mubadala Development Co PJSC. While Mubadala would assume IPIC's guarantee for 1MDB bonds totaling US$3.5 billion (RM14.55 billion), this did not equate to 1MDB owing US$6.89 billion to IPIC or Mubadala.

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Why did Tony Pua call Straits Times reporting on 1MDB misreporting?

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