KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 23): Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Governor Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz said today that she hopes to see investigations into beleaguered 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) concluded before her five-year term ends this April.

"That is what I have indicated and that is where my efforts are directed to, (that is), bringing a conclusion to it (1MDB investigation) during my term, so that the next governor can start with a clean slate," she told reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony of the Asia School of Business, in collaboration with MIT Sloan School of Management here today.

She was responding to a question on whether she is confident of investigations into the 1MDB scandal being concluded during her tenure as central bank governor.

When asked on BNM's update on its investigations into 1MDB's inability to repatriate some US$1.83 billion, Zeti declined to comment, saying it was premature.

" Nothing has been concluded and it would be premature to comment," she said.

Zeti had previously said BNM was validating 1MDB’s statement after the state investment fund claimed it was unable to repatriate US$1.83 billion, as the money had been utilised.

1MDB had publicly stated that the funds of US$1.83 billion for the redemption of its offshore investment had been utilised and also earmarked for asset works for part of its rationalisation plan.

“BNM is validating this (statement) now and would take into account any firm commitment made by 1MDB under its rationalisation plan, which would contribute toward reducing its debt burden,” she had said.