Durai secures $25,000-a-month CEO job in Abu Dhabi

FORMER National Kidney Foundation chief executive TT Durai - who was sentenced to 3 months' jail in June for deceiving the NKF, but is now appealing his conviction - has secured a new high-paying job.

The 59-year-old has accepted the position of CEO of a new subsidiary company under Singapore-based real estate management firm Property Facility Services (PFS) - a job which will pay him $25,000 a month.

After the conclusion of Durai's appeal and possible sentence, he will be based full-time in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

This revelation came to light in Durai's affidavit tendered to the High Court on Friday morning during his request for permission to travel overseas while out on bail.

New pay, new perks

In a offer letter signed by PFS chairman Dr Albert Hong and director Dr Shaika Al Maskari dated 21 June this year - ironically, the same day Durai was sentenced to jail - PFS told Durai that he would also be paid a 15 per cent share of the new subsidiary company's annual net profits.

This new Abu Dhabi firm will be sponsored by Tricon Healthcare, a member of the Tricon group.

Durai's contract is scheduled to run for 5 years from 1 August. Some of his duties - to help PFS provide healthcare services, human resource consultancy, manpower recruitment and other business development projects in the Middle East region.

Besides the $25,000 monthly pay and a share of profits, some of Durai's other perks include housing expenses, the use of a company car and a reimbursement of his travel, accommodation and entertainment expenses.

Durai accepted PFS' offer on 27 August.

Can you start work now?

His lawyer also included in his affidavit a separate letter by PFS dated 13 August, informing Durai that it wants him to start work in Abu Dhabi "as soon as possible" - pending the outcome of his appeal.

In fact, until his appeal is settled, Durai's new employers have told him his immediate services are "required" in the UAE for at least 7 days straight every month, during which he would be paid a pro-rated salary.

The court granted Durai's request to travel to the UAE, with his $100,000 bail to remain.

"Confident" of appeal success

Durai also said in his affidavit that he feels upbeat about his chances in his upcoming appeal against his conviction and 3-month jail term - arguing that this means he has no reason to flee the country.

He wrote: "I am advised by my Counsel and verily believe that there are good prospects of appeal against my conviction... I am confident of my prospects of success."