Kuala Lampur, Dec. 6 -- Malaysia's direct debt increased RM94.1 billion by the middle of the year, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said to deny claims that this increased by RM245 billion.

Following the Debt Management Committee meeting on December 2 to discuss the action plan on the government's debts and liabilities, he said the government remains committed fiscally responsible policies.

"The ministry would also like to rectify the public's misconception regarding the foreign debt. which is different from the government's direct debt. Foreign debt consists of offshore loans, non-resident deposits, and individual, company and government debts held by non-residents. In contrast, direct debt is issued by the government," Lim said in a stat...