Leaked email communications have exposed alleged links between United Arab Emirates (UAE) ambassador to the US Yousef Al Otaiba and key figures in the 1MDB scandal including Penang-born buinessperson Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), the email communications provided by Global Leaks showed Yousef used his diplomatic influence to persuade banks in the UAE to provide a loan to 1MDB.

The report said Yousef had in September 2014 encouraged Abu Dhabi banks to participate in a short-term refinancing loan being arranged by Deutsche Bank for 1MDB, stating that it was important for UAE-Malaysia relations.

"We appreciate your attention and commitment to successfully executing this facility," Yousef had allegedly wrote to the banks, based on the leaked emails.

The WSJ, which had reviewed the emails, said the text was identical to what Eric Tan had provided to Yousef.

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) had described Tan as an associate of Jho Low and Singapore court proceedings revealed that Jho had used the name "Eric Tan" as an alias for banking and communication purposes...