1MDB documentary to premiere on Netflix next month

'Man On The Run' has been picked up by Netflix and is set to be launched globally on Jan 5, 2024, according to online portal Deadline.

The documentary casts the spotlight on the 1MDB scandal and the role played by Low Taek Jho (aka Jho Low) and former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak in exploiting Malaysia’s sovereign fund.

The documentary was screened at selected cinemas in Malaysian cinemas starting Oct 19, 2023, and has received good reviews.

Directed and co-produced by Cassius Michael Kim (of ‘The Wonder List’ fame), it will now receive its global release next month.

Kim gained unprecedented access to key individuals in the saga, giving viewers gripping first-person accounts and unveiling the extensive repercussions of one of the most colossal financial scandals in history.

Journalists Clare Rewcastle Brown, The Edge CEO Ho Kay Tat, and Bradley Hope; whistleblower Xavier Justo; as well as politicians such as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, former MP Tony Pua as well as former attorney-general Tommy Thomas were among those who offered their insights into the scandal.

Kim and his crew also managed to interview Najib in Kuala Lumpur on the first day of Ramadan in 2022 to get his side of the story.

'Man On The Run' is produced by The Smoking Section in association with Evergreen Media.

Overwhelming response

When asked about the response he received from Malaysians who had watched the documentary, Kim told Malaysiakini that it has been overwhelmingly positive and supportive.

“However, I am eager to get the film in front of a larger Malaysian audience, and indeed, one of our primary goals in securing distribution was finding a home for the film that would be accessible to all Malaysians. I am excited to see how the film is received by the larger Malaysian public,” he added.

He also said that as of now, no one from Najib or Jho Low’s family or friends has reached out to him.

“However, I welcome all input and I’m happy to engage in dialogue with all,” said Kim.

The version of “Man On The Run” that will be premiering on Netflix is the full and final cut that was released in cinemas worldwide.

As for a sequel, Kim said: “Never say never, but unless there are massive new developments in the case - or perhaps, a certain Mr Low finally agrees to speak on camera - there are no plans for a sequel at this time.”

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