Did Arul Kanda meet Jho Low before 1MDB appointment?

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Arul Kanda Met Jho Low in Abu Dhabi Years Before His 1MDB Appointment

Arul Kanda Kandasamy, the former CEO of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), stated in court that he met fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, widely known as Jho Low, in Abu Dhabi in 2011. This encounter occurred four years before Arul Kanda was appointed as the CEO of 1MDB in December 2014. During this meeting, Jho Low reportedly proposed an investment related to property development on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi.
Pre-Appointment Encounters in Abu Dhabi

During his testimony, Arul Kanda confirmed that his meeting with Jho Low took place in Abu Dhabi in 2011. He also indicated that at the time, Jho Low presented a proposal concerning property investment on Al Maryah Island. Beyond Jho Low, Arul Kanda also met Khadem Al Qubaisi and Mohammed Badawy al Husseiny in Abu Dhabi. Both individuals were later implicated in the ongoing 1MDB scandal.
Approach and Due Diligence Before Joining 1MDB

Arul Kanda explained that he was approached about the CEO position by Ashvin Jethanand Valiram, a former director of 1MDB, during Valiram's visits to Dubai. Valiram had expressed concerns to Arul Kanda regarding 1MDB's significant debt and the stalled progress of its projects. Following this, Arul Kanda submitted his resume and underwent interviews with key figures including Tan Sri Lodin Wok Kamaruddin, Tan Sri Ismee Ismail, and Datuk Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi. Arul Kanda stated that he conducted his own due diligence before accepting the role and was aware of negative media reports concerning 1MDB prior to his joining the company.
Subsequent Legal Action by 1MDB

In May 2021, 1MDB initiated legal proceedings against Arul Kanda and Tan Sri Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah. The lawsuit alleges breach of trust and conspiracy, seeking substantial damages amounting to US$6.59 billion. The claims are linked to various alleged financial improprieties, including misappropriation of company funds and issues related to 1MDB's investments.

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Did Arul Kanda meet Jho Low before 1MDB appointment?

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