KUALA LUMPUR, 22 October 2026 (The Capital Post) – The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) is coordinating the ownership status and management of four artworks linked to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) case, while reviewing efforts to recover seven additional artworks from New York.
MOTAC Secretary-General Dato’ Shaharuddin Abu Sohot chaired a meeting at the National Art Gallery on Wednesday (21 October) to discuss ownership, storage arrangements and future plans for the artworks.
The four artworks, created by renowned artists Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Maurice Utrillo and Balthus, are currently held by the National Visual Arts Development Board (LPSVN).
A key focus of the meeting was clarifying the ownership status of the artworks and ensuring their storage and preservation meet international standards.
Officials also discussed potential conservation work and the possibility of organising a special exhibition, subject to approval from the relevant authorities.
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The meeting further reviewed ongoing efforts to bring back seven additional artworks from Christie’s New York.
MOTAC highlighted the importance of coordination with the Ministry of Finance (MOF), Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and other relevant agencies in managing the artworks.
The inter-agency cooperation is intended to ensure that matters involving ownership, preservation and future use are handled systematically and in the national interest.
According to a post on the official Facebook page of Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Malaysia, the meeting reflects efforts to safeguard the artworks and ensure their proper management while outstanding ownership and recovery matters are addressed – The Capital Post
