THE Malaysian Government has denied reports that fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, secretly returned to Malaysia to hold negotiations over assets linked to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong rejected the claims during a parliamentary session on Thursday after being questioned by Members of Parliament over media reports alleging that Low had entered the country for discussions with government representatives.
"I deny the allegations," Reuters quoted Liew saying.
His response follows a report published in May by Sarawak Report, which claimed Low had secretly entered Malaysia last year as part of a Chinese delegation to discuss debts associated with 1MDB.
Separately, The Wall Street Journal reported that Low had been engaged in discussions with Malaysian authorities regarding the return of assets linked to the scandal.
Liew did not comment further on the reports but stressed that the government's asset recovery programme continues through established legal processes.
He told the Dewan Rakyat that Malaysia has recovered RM31.3 billion in funds and assets connected to 1MDB to date.
According to the Finance Ministry, the total financial burden linked to 1MDB stands at RM51.4 billion, comprising RM42.5 billion already paid by the government and RM8.9 billion in government-guaranteed Sukuk Islamic Medium-Term Notes (IMTN) that remain outstanding until 2039.
Liew said authorities are continuing to pursue criminal and civil proceedings against Low and other parties, including financial institutions alleged to have facilitated the misappropriation of 1MDB funds, as part of ongoing efforts to recover additional assets.
Low remains one of the world's most wanted financial fugitives and faces multiple criminal charges in Malaysia and the United States, including corruption and money laundering allegations relating to the alleged misappropriation of at least US$4.5 billion from 1MDB.
He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, and his whereabouts remain publicly unknown. - July 9, 2026
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