Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the total national debt may increase as the government is still required to pay other debts with interest.PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has denied a claim that all 1MDB-related debts have been paid off, saying the government continues to shoulder substantial debt liabilities.

Speaking at the monthly assembly with the finance ministry's staff here today, Anwar questioned the source of the claim.

“It was said the 1MDB debt was fully paid. I don’t know where it came from or where it was read, but that is incorrect,” he said.

The finance ministry previously said in a written parliamentary reply that as of Aug 31, the government paid RM42.5 billion towards 1MDB-related commitments, including principal repayments, interest, legal fees and operational costs.