1Malaysia Development Bhd president and group executive director Arul Kanda Kandasamy says he is looking forward to attending the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearings and for his answers to be part of the public record.
He said there is no need for him "to lie or cover-up what has happened in the past, as has been alleged by those who make sensationalist claims to drive their own political agenda."
"Accordingly, I look forward to being questioned in detail on this matter at the upcoming PAC hearings and for my answers to be part of the public record, to conclusively put this matter to rest," said Arul Kanda.
To recap, PAC's hearing on 1MDB has been postponed to a later date that is yet to be determined. The earlier dates were Aug 4, 5, 6, 17 and 18 as well as Sept 8 and 10, 2015.
The PAC is left with just nine members, after four others including its chairman were appointed as Cabinet members on July 29.
The appointment of the PAC chairman and its members is scheduled to be made after the Select Committee members, who are responsible for appointing the PAC members, are replaced and appointed during the next parliament session that starts on Oct 19, 2015.
"In my capacity as President, I answer to the Board and the shareholders of 1MDB. My strong track record speaks for itself and my only professional agenda is to fix the challenges in 1MDB," said Arul Kanda in a two-page press statement that among others replied to the latest allegations from Sarawak Report, an online blog currently banned in Malaysia, which accused him of lying about cash in the bank in its latest article.
He said whilst Sarawak Report has published a number of alleged 1MDB related documents in the past, "I can confirm that -- in this particular case -- it appears to have published an authentic 1MDB document, namely minutes of a Jan 12, 2015 Board meeting."
Arul Kanda said it was the first 1MDB Board meeting he attended, held exactly a week after he joined the company on Jan 5, 2015.
At the meeting, he acknowledged that he stated to the Board, based on his understanding of events that occurred before his time, that the redemption of fund units happened in cash for an amount of US$940 million.
However, upon further investigation and verification, it became clear that this was a misunderstanding, which he then clarified to the Board and the Finance Ministry.
This clarification is clearly recorded in subsequent Board minutes and can be verified, he said.
"On Jan 13, 2015, I confirmed via a press statement that the remaining amount of US$1.11 billion had been redeemed, in full. What was unfortunately not made clear, was that the redemptions happened partly in cash and partly through the sale of fund units, with cash payment being deferred."
He said it is this important distinction which caused a misinterpretation of his statement, first during a media interview on Feb 9, 2015 and subsequently by the Finance Ministry, in a Parliamentary answer on March 12, 2015.
"I have explained in detail the sequence of events to the National Audit Department and to 1MDB's auditors, Deloitte, as part of their thorough and professional review of 1MDB's past transactions.
"In addition, I have openly and publicly taken full responsibility in June 2015 for the misunderstanding on this matter i.e. the buck stops with me," he said.
Bernama
Sat Oct 10 2015
ARUL KANDA: There's no need for me to lie or cover-up what has happened in the past, as alleged by those who make sensationalist claims to drive their own political agenda.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.