KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) on Wednesday recorded a statement from 1Malaysia Development Bhd’s (1MDB) former chief executive officer, Arul Kanda Kandasamy, over the content of his ‘ceramah’ conducted prior to the 14th general election.
Also summoned to have their statements recorded on the same issue were a number of other individuals.
Sources said Arul Kanda could be charged soon with criminal breach of trust. However, the source noted that investigation are ongoing and the authorities are still determining the direction of the case.
“Arul Kanda previously held a series of ‘ceramah’ nationwide to explain 1MDB’s status and position.
“His statement was recorded based on the content of these speeches he made prior to GE14,” said the source.
Meanwhile, Federal CCID director, Datuk Seri Amar Singh Ishar Singh, confirmed that Arul Kanda was brought in over the 1MDB probe.
Arul Kanda had, before GE14, held around 30 ‘ceramah’ as well as question-and-answer sessions on 1MDB nationwide to explain and dispel doubts over issues pertaining to the company’s status.
Finance MInister Lim Guan Eng, on May 22, said the government had to pay RM143.75 million in interest for 1MDB’s loans. He said the company also needed to settle loan interests totaling RM810.21 million for the period of September and November.
Lim had directed Arul Kanda, who was still serving the company until June 30, to offer an explanation on the issue.
Following a May 23 meeting with two 1MDB directors, Datuk Norazman Ayob and Datuk Kamal Mohd Ali, Lim announced that the 1MDB management had admitted that the strategic investment company was insolvent and was unable to pay off its debts.