KUALA LUMPUR – Macau’s security authority has taken umbrage at a reported claim by Malaysian graft busters that fugitive Jho Low, whose full name is Low Taek Jho, is in the Chinese city.
Macau’s Office of the Secretary for Security (GSS) said that it was “bewildered” and “shocked” to learn about the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) claim.
It said that MACC had “completely violated international norms” by “releasing unsubstantiated information” instead of seeking assistance from its Macau counterpart to corroborate the information in compliance with international protocol, according to a report by the Macau News Agency.
An MACC spokesman had earlier been reported as saying that the agency believed Low and other individuals implicated in the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal were hiding in Macau, which is a special administrative region of China.
GSS was quoted as saying that Macau police are prohibited by law from disclosing any personal information, and can only cooperate with other countries and regions in accordance with international law and norms.
“This is a principle that Macau must uphold as an international city and a society governed by the rule of law,” it reportedly said.
It was reported recently that Kee Kok Thiam, described as Low’s close associate, was deported from Macau less than a month ago for allegedly overstaying his visa. He is believed to have informed Malaysian authorities of Low’s whereabouts.
Kee was reportedly questioned by MACC on May 3 where he told investigators that he met other fugitives – Eric Tan Kim Loong, Casey Tang Keng Chee, Geh Choh Heng, and Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil – wanted in the 1MDB financial scandal.
Kee, who is purported to have received 1MDB’s misappropriated funds through Yayasan Rakyat 1Malaysia, died earlier this week.
His family has since called for an end to speculation surrounding his sudden death.
Law firm Valen, Oh, and Partners, who is representing the family, said in a brief statement that Kee died in hospital on Monday due to a sudden massive stroke.
“We urge all parties not to entertain any speculation on this unfortunate event and allow the family the space to grieve on his passing,” said the statement. – The Vibes, June 2, 2023
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