Audit firm KPMG Malaysia defended its audit of state investment firm 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) following claims that it had helped cover suspect dealings.

Whistleblower website Sarawak Report had alleged KPMG was complicit in covering up that 1MDB’s joint venture with PetroSaudi had a “dubious existing debt of US$700 million” citing leaked emails that purportedly points to the auditor’s involvement as early as March, 2010.