Speaking at the monthly assembly of the Prime Minister’s Department (PMD) in Putrajaya, Anwar said the US$1.8 billion (RM8.06 billion) settlement exceeded the government’s expectations.

“Congratulations to the AG and his office and all who were involved in the negotiations,” he said, adding the settlement highlighted the competence and expertise of civil servants.

He also said it showed the government did not need to rely on the services of consultants.

“It is not that I think the services of private sector consultants are not important, but I want to highlight our expertise.”

Anwar said his experience showed that civil servants have the expertise and that top leaders needed to set a good example by staying clear of committing to questionable deals.

“So government officials can go (represent the country) with the full mandate from the prime minister and the Cabinet. We tell them, ‘do your best, we trust you, what is decided, we will support it’,”.

Last week, the finance ministry announced the two Abu Dhabi companies have agreed to pay 1MDB and Minister of Finance Incorporated (MoF Inc) US$1.8 billion to settle their legal dispute.

Both sides were embroiled in a legal fight in the United Kingdom with claims that Ipic and Aabar were complicit in the 1MDB scandal.