MALAYSIA has not received any information regarding claims that fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, or Jho Low, is currently residing in an exclusive area of Shanghai, China said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar told journalists in a hastily held media briefing that he does not have any information on the matter, and it is best to direct questions to the Home Ministry, which was liaising with international police (Interpol) to track Jho Low.
Penang- born Jho Low was reportedly living a life of luxury despite being wanted for his role in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, where he is alleged to have siphoned at least US$4.5 billion (approximately RM19 billion) from the strategic sovereign investment fund.
In a livestream last night, American journalists Bradley Hope and Tom Wright claimed that Low was living in Green Hills, a super high-end neighbourhood.
He is allegedly using a fake Australian passport with a Greek name, Veis Constantinos Achilles, to get around while hiding his identity.
“He’s living in an ultra-high-end neighbourhood in Shanghai called Green Hills in a mansion, with luxury cars and travelling 15 minutes to his office at the Shanghai Financial Centre,” the pair claimed in their newsletter “Whale Hunting” last night.
The duo claimed that Jho Low is now acting as a strategic advisor to the Chinese government and his role involves assisting companies facing international sanctions to continue their global operations.
Earlier, Anwar launched the RM25 million Madani commercial building in Teluk Kumbar where he pledged to set up a mini Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) at the site with a fund of RM5 million to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP).
MBPP is developing the socio-economic project for residents in Balik Pulau, who now need not travel to Komtar in George Town to facilitate needs for immigration, the national registration department, police and other relevant matters.
Anwar said that public projects must cater to the working class whereas he is fine with the private sector investing in skyscrapers or landmark projects to lure tourists.
"I am told that 80% of working-class Malaysians dine in warongs and local eateries, which the local authorities must help upkeep."
Anwar said he is glad that MBPP is undertaking such a project in Teluk Kumar, which comes under the constituency of Bayan Lepas assemblyman Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz, who is from Amanah.
Anwar also hopes that the grassroots would not be cheated by leaders, who claimed that they are fighting for Malay rights, yet enrich themselves through public projects.
"Our voters must be smart and matured in dealing with such leaders. They use race and religion while at the same time enrich themselves."
Anwar said that for the Malays to enjoy rapid progress, they must ensure that the leaders that they elect are clean and willing to implement projects.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow earlier said that the building in Teluk Kumbar will be the first to bear the Madani name on its property.
Madani signals progress and Penang is making strides on this, said Chow. - July 19, 2025.
