This article first appeared in The Edge Malaysia Weekly on November 9, 2026 - November 15, 2026

The Ministry of Finance recently revealed that the government’s remaining net financial burden arising from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) is estimated at RM20.1 billion, assuming no further recovery of funds or assets.

This is after deducting RM31.3 billion in recovered funds and assets from the government’s total financial obligations of RM51.4 billion related to 1MDB.

These staggering numbers serve as a timely and sobering reminder of the long-term consequences of leadership and governance decisions. Decisions made by those in power can have repercussions that outlive their tenure by many years, leaving taxpayers and future administrations to foot the bill, often for two generations or more.

Consider what RM20.1 billion could otherwise have funded. To put the sum into perspective, it is equivalent to more than two-fifths (42%) of the health ministry’s entire RM47.7 billion allocation under the proposed Budget 2027. That is a significant amount of money that could have gone towards improving public healthcare.

It is also almost a third of the RM68.99 billion allocated to the Ministry of Education. Imagine what that money could have done to improve schools, upgrade facilities and strengthen the country’s education system.

As more state elections loom ahead of the next federal election — Melaka’s is slated for Nov 14, while Sarawak’s state assembly was dissolved on Oct 26, paving the way for polls — Malaysians would do well to look beyond campaign promises and party loyalties to examine candidates’ integrity, track record, accountability and commitment to good governance.

The 1MDB saga is a reminder that political leaders may come and go, but the consequences of decisions made do not simply disappear, but linger far and long.

Save by subscribing to us for your print and/or digital copy.

P/S: The Edge is also available on Apple's App Store and Android's Google Play.