PUTRAJAYA: The government still has to bear debts linked to 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), including interest payments, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, dismissed claims that all debts owed by the strategic investment company had been settled.

He said repayments on existing debts must continue despite ongoing government efforts to control new borrowings and reduce the national debt burden through disciplined fiscal management.

"Some say all 1MDB debts have been paid. I don't know what book they read that from, but it is not true. Our debts, including the interest, must be paid," he said during his address at the Finance Ministry's monthly assembly here.