MALAYSIA’S top police official has confirmed that authorities are continuing to monitor and assess two separate high-profile matters involving religious controversy and the long-running 1MDB scandal, as public scrutiny intensifies over remarks made by a PAS parliamentarian and renewed international attention surrounding fugitive financier Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said police were awaiting further information from relevant parties regarding allegations that Pasir Puteh MP Datuk Dr Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh had made offensive remarks concerning companions of Prophet Muhammad SAW during a political lecture in Kuala Terengganu last weekend.
“That matter is still under our attention and action. We are still waiting for further information from the relevant parties,” he said when speaking to reporters after officiating at the closing ceremony of the PDRM Special Dialogue V 2026 today.
The controversy erupted after a video circulated online showing Nik Muhammad allegedly describing Saidina Abu Bakar al-Siddiq RA as a “loan shark leader” who oppressed the poor during the pre-Islamic era, while portraying Saidina Umar al-Khattab RA as harsh and inclined towards adultery before embracing Islam.
The remarks, delivered during a political ceramah in Kuala Terengganu, drew widespread criticism from religious figures, political leaders and members of the public, prompting multiple police reports and calls for investigations under Section 298 of the Penal Code, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and Section 4 of the Sedition Act 1948.
Nik Muhammad Zawawi later issued a public apology, admitting he had been insufficiently careful in the manner he presented and articulated the historical references during the speech.
Separately, Mohd Khalid confirmed that investigations involving fugitive businessman Jho Low remain ongoing despite recent reports claiming the financier had submitted a clemency request to United States President Donald Trump.
“This matter is still at the stage of ongoing investigation. I see issues like this as rather sensitive to discuss,” he said during the same event at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
He added that the Royal Malaysia Police continued to maintain close cooperation with relevant foreign authorities as part of efforts to pursue investigations linked to the 1MDB scandal.
“We are continuing our efforts as before and maintaining good relations with the countries involved,” he said.
Media reports earlier today cited claims that Jho Low had recently filed a pardon application with US authorities, with The Wall Street Journal reporting that the request, if approved, could potentially eliminate criminal charges against him in the United States.
According to the report, the application was submitted within recent weeks based on information from sources familiar with the matter.
However, a White House official reportedly informed the newspaper that Jho Low’s pardon request was not currently under active consideration or on the radar of the White House.
Jho Low remains one of the central figures in the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal, which triggered investigations across several jurisdictions and contributed to major political upheaval in Malaysia. He continues to deny wrongdoing, while his whereabouts remain unknown. - May 13, 2026
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