Stop your ‘stupid conditions’ and debate me, Pua fires back at 1MDB boss

(Malay Mail Online) – 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) president Arul Kanda Kandasamy should stop setting “stupid conditions” and appear on live television for a discussion on the state-owned investment firm’s troubles, DAP’s Tony Pua said today.

Pua said it was ridiculous for Arul Kanda to demand that he leaves the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) as a condition for the live talk show, claiming that this was another by the 1MDB boss to shy away from accountability over the handling of the state investment fund.

“Stop giving stupid conditions, accept my challenge like a man and let’s meet on live television,” Pua told a news conference here.

Earlier today, Arul Kanda said he accepted Pua’s challenge to a discussion on live television on condition that the DAP lawmaker leaves the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Arul Kanda said it would be a conflict of interest for Pua to discuss with him on television the allegations against 1MDB as the parliamentary committee is currently investigating the state investment firm.

“I am not surprised by his statement accepting my challenge but putting conditions which do not make sense.

“No rule of law says I cannot pursue matters of public interest outside of the PAC,” Pua added.

Pua, who is Petaling Jaya Utara MP, earlier today challenged Arul Kanda to join him in a live talk show to disprove once and for all the allegations against 1MDB.

Yesterday, Arul Kanda reportedly told BernamaTV that there was no cover up of 1MDB’s activities and that it would be impossible to do so as the firm was being probed by five agencies.