NEW YORK: Malaysia is trying to seek the return of fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low, from China using what Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad described as “private efforts".
Speaking at a meeting with the renowned US Council on Foreign Relations here, the Prime Minister pointed out that Malaysia has no extradition treaty with China.
“It is quite tricky for us to accuse China of hiding him, so we are trying to work out some ways or private efforts to get back Jho Low from China,” he said.
The Prime Minister said this in response to a question whether Low is in China.
He was also asked whether Malaysia has communicated with China about seeking Low's return to Malaysia to be prosecuted over the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
Dr Mahathir poured cold water over Low’s alleged claims of being a Chinese intelligence asset.
“I don’t think so. I don’t think China has any respect for him at all,” said Dr Mahathir.
Asked why China has not expelled Low, Dr Mahathir said he did not know their thoughts.
Pressed further on what was his best guess, the Prime Minister said: “Well, maybe he’s a bargaining chip or something like that."
Dr Mahathir was also asked during the event whether Malaysia’s ties with Saudi Arabia has been affected as former premier Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has said that it was a Saudi royal who gave him the controversial RM2.6bil donation.
The Prime Minister said that Malaysia has not made any direct accusation against Saudi Arabia.
“Well we haven't made any direct accusation against them.
“What we have done is something like pulling back our troops, but that is not connected.
“Of course, we don’t know really what the Saudis think but if they really did give the money to Najib, just show us the evidence. So far, no evidence,” said Dr Mahathir.
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