1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) president and group chief executive Arul Kanda Kandasamy, today clarified that he only received an invitation to face the Public Accounts Committee’s (PAC) via the Finance Ministry on May 21.

He said the invitation, addressed to the Finance Ministry, requested 1MDB to appear before the PAC committee on May 26.

It was reported that PAC chairman, Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed had said the letter was sent to the Finance Ministry on May 6, giving a notice of 20 days for Arul and former chief executive officer (CEO), Datuk Shahrol Halmi to appear for the hearing to clarify 1MDB's status.

“Upon receiving this letter, 1MDB responded to the Ministry of Finance on May 21, the same day the company received the invitation.

“As confirmed by YB Nur Jazlan, Chairman of the PAC, the date for this appearance is currently being finalised, due to the date proposed earlier being in conflict with previously scheduled overseas commitments.

“We once again reiterate our intention to extend our full cooperation to the PAC and both Arul Kanda and Datuk Shahrol Halmi look forward to appearing before the committee and having the opportunity to clarify 1MDB's position,” Arul Kanda said in a statement today.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said both the current 1MDB president and former chief executive officer (CEO) had given him their guarantee that they would attend.

Yesterday, PAC postponed its session with Arul Kanda and Shahrol because both men were overseas. Nur Jazlan later stressed that the postponement did not mean that the investigation proceedings on 1MDB will be delayed.