MALAYSIA
New Straits Times-Apr 26
His love for the country prompts Arul Kanda Kandasamy to serve 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) to fix the turmoil at the government’s strategic development company.
“I earned more when I was working in Abu Dhabi, but as a Malaysian who has the ability in restructuring, banking and legislation, it is my duty to help and solve 1MDB’s issue,” said the chief executive officer of 1MDB to Barisan Nasional’s official 14th General Election portal, theRakyat.
Arul was executive vice-president and head of investment banking at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank as well as a board member of Kuwait’s Global Investment House.
Arul said he was glad that his family members and close friends understood his duty as he was doing something “nobody” wanted to do.
He is not stressed by his task, contrary to some people’s perception.
“I want to be remembered as a Malaysian who has the ability and someone who has taken the responsibility to solve the turmoil.
“I am not stressed in managing 1MDB because I did nothing wrong. I did not cause the problem, I come to fix it,” he told the portal when met after the “Bicara Subang” talk organised by Kelab Sahabat N87 in USJ15 here last night.
Arul explained that he was offered a “3+1” contract when accepting the 1MDB job three years ago. The contract ended on December 31 last year but was extended.
“With mutual agreement, my contract was extended for another year as stated in the contract. The extension is to facilitate the handover of task on the issues that I am handling.”
On his next step once he left 1MDB, Arul said: “I think it is more appropriate for the board of directors and shareholders to make an announcement at the right time on my next step.”
Arul admitted that he felt frustrated when the opposition accused him for all the troubles faced by 1MDB. “I understood that Malaysians are angry about what has happened to the company today, hence we are having this briefing session with the public.
“Whatever that they want, I am open and ready to answer,” he said.
