KUALA LUMPUR – The government has no issues working with any country in repatriating Low Taek Jho if it can be proven that the fugitive businessman is hiding there, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said this includes China, where Low is believed to be seeking refuge.
“On the issue of Jho Low, we are not certain if he is indeed in China,” he said in his Budget 2021 winding-up speech today.
“If the police can inform Wisma Putra on Low’s exact location, then there’s no reason we can’t assist and bring him back to face trial.”
Hishammuddin was responding to questions from R.S.N. Rayer (PH-Jelutong) on whether the Foreign Ministry will working closely with its Chinese counterparts to repatriate Low.
Rayer had asked what measures are being taken by the ministry to trace Low, considering Malaysia’s strong relationship with the republic.
“Also, what can be done by the government to trace Low and persuade him to return home to assist in the 1MDB trial?” he had asked.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador had in July said Low was hiding in Macau and that attempts to extradite him have failed as Chinese authorities appeared to be insincere about cooperating.
However, China denied protecting the wanted businessman, claiming Hamid’s accusations as groundless and unacceptable.
Low is wanted by Malaysia over his role in the multi-billion ringgit scandal involving sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB). He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Earlier, Hishammuddin said Malaysia shares a very close relationship with China, and that this is further highlighted by the agreement to expand the palm oil sector in the republic.
“We also reached an agreement with China to give us priority in terms of the Covid-19 vaccine. Both these agreements will be sealed formally when I visit China in the near future.” – The Vibes, November 26, 2020
