FUGITIVE businessman Low Taek Jho or Jho Low is reportedly among about 250 individuals who may be considered to receive a pardon by US President Donald Trump in conjunction with the country's 250th Independence Day celebrations on July 4.
According to a report by The Atlantic, Fugees singer Pras Michel is also on the list of individuals being considered.
Michel was previously convicted of conspiring with Jho Low and a Chinese government official to orchestrate a lobbying campaign to stop a US criminal investigation into the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
The report said Jho Low's representative did not respond to media requests for comment on the matter.
Citing a source familiar with the discussions, The Atlantic reported that the White House is considering a proposal to announce 250 pardons in conjunction with the 250th anniversary of US independence through an initiative known as '250 pardons for 250 years'.
However, according to the report, Trump's advisers are still divided on whether the mass pardon should continue.
An adviser reportedly said that despite studies showing that the move could give Trump a political advantage, no decision is expected to be made before the Independence Day celebrations.
Supporters of the proposal believe that the pardons would highlight the President's power and strengthen Trump's image as a forgiving leader.
Meanwhile, the report also stated that the proposed mass pardon has sparked various lobbying efforts, including parties from abroad who want access to the President.
Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Malaysian government would not raise objections if Jho Low sought a pardon from Trump.
He reportedly said that although Putrajaya did not support the effort, the decision on whether to grant a pardon was the prerogative of the US government.
Anwar also stressed that Jho Low still had to face the Malaysian legal system.
Jho Low is accused of being the mastermind behind the embezzlement of at least US$4.5 billion (about RM17.7 billion) from 1MDB funds, along with two former Goldman Sachs officials.
On May 13, The Wall Street Journal reported that Jho Low's pardon application to Trump had still not been decided.
In 2024, Jho Low reached a settlement with the United States Department of Justice to return US$100 million that was claimed in a civil forfeiture suit.
The 1MDB scandal also led to the conviction and imprisonment of former Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is now also seeking a pardon in Malaysia. – July 2, 2026
