Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad says the country could soon settle with Goldman Sachs over its role in the 1MDB financial scandal:

(SOUNDBITE)(English) MALAYSIA PRIME MINISTER MAHATHIR MOHAMAD SAYING:

"If they come up with a reasonable sum I think we will agree. But at the moment their offer is too small."

Mahathir says Goldman's settlement offer is 'one point something billion'.

He says Malaysia is owed more like 7.5 billion dollars.

Goldman is charged with misleading investors over bond sales it helped arrange for the 1MDB state fund.

It's negotiating with U.S. and Malaysia authorities over fines and reparations.

Billions of dollars was funnelled out of 1MDB for illicit ends.

Malaysia is hunting fugitive financier Jho Low, who is accused of playing a central role in the fraud.

Picasso paintings and a yacht - since seized by U.S. authorities - just some of the luxuries he acquired.

Mahathir says he won't cut a deal:

(SOUNDBITE)(English) MALAYSIA PRIME MINISTER MAHATHIR MOHAMAD SAYING:

"No, we think he is very guilty. We have proof of that. We want to settle it according to the law. He's offering this that and the other, that doesn't cover the losses due to him."

Former Prime Minister Najib Razak also faces dozens of graft and money laundering charges over 1MDB.

Like Low, he denies all wrongdoing.