KUALA LUMPUR – Following efforts by anti-corruption agencies to extradite Malaysian financier Jho Taek Low, many have since questioned if it could impact the court’s decision on former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) trial.
The debate also saw former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin and former Umno information chief Shahril Sufian Hamdan discuss whether extraditing Low, better known as Jho Low, could lead to Najib’s pardon.
In a virtual conversation posted on Khairy’s YouTube account, Shahril said Najib’s lawyers would use the extradition to their advantage and create an argument in support of their client.
He added that other parties would create their respective truths behind the situation to fit their own narratives.
“They (Najib’s lawyers) will use whatever situation to introduce an argument that can help their case or position,” he said.
“When we read the news showing that 1MDB is real, and that misappropriation and crimes had occurred, we read it as such.
“After a few hours, we see comments turn facts around.
“For me, this was always going to happen…whatever the outcome is, all sides will spin (the facts) to suit their interests,” he added.
Shahril’s remarks were seconded by Khairy, who opined that Najib’s argument was “problematic”.
“He (Najib) has two choices; admit he knew (of 1MDB misappropriation) or use his defence argument of being duped by Low, which would make him look foolish,” said Khairy.
Regardless of the outcome, Shahril said Low’s extradition is necessary, as the businessman had played a significant role in revealing the nation’s biggest “keaiban” (indiscretion) and should face legal processes.
He also pointed out that it could instead be a nail in the coffin for Najib’s trial.
Quoting comments online, Shahril said that while some are anticipating that Low’s return will vindicate Najib, others worry it could backfire and prove the opposite, as they claim Low will point a finger at the former prime minister.
Asked whether the extradition could reflect a “victory” for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Shahril said some have equated the incident to terrorist Osama bin Laden’s killing before former US president Barack Obama’s second term.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is in talks with several countries believed to be hideaways of eight fugitives linked to the 1MDB scandal, including Low.
The extradition list also includes SRC International Sdn Bhd’s former chief executive Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil, 1MDB lawyer Jasmine Loo, and former 1MDB executive director Casey Tang.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani also said that investigations into Low relating to 1MDB will continue until he is brought back to Malaysia. – The Vibes, May 12, 2023
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