Muhyiddin: Jho Low is prime suspect in 1MDB case

PUTRAJAYA: Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin says financier Jho Low is the prime suspect in the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal and swift action must be taken to catch him.

He dubbed Jho Low “the main criminal” in the 1MDB saga and urged the public to be patient because the authorities were working hard to finalise certain details concerning his involvement in the scandal.

“People have been asking me: ‘Why haven’t you arrested Jho Low?’

“I replied that we need just a bit more time to gather enough information.

“Everybody knows that he is one of the biggest criminals who caused the 1MDB scandal to become one of the biggest scandals in the world.

“Therefore, strict action – whether under criminal or anti-corruption laws – must be taken,” he said yesterday.

“Some have pointed out that it has been over three weeks since Pakatan Harapan became the new government, yet no action has been made.

“I hope they can just wait, but some people want action to be taken right now.

“That’s how angry the people are,” said Muhyiddin in his first monthly ministerial address since his appointment.

Low, whose full name is Low Taek Jho, was identified by the US Department of Justice as one of the masterminds behind the 1MDB scandal.

Muhyiddin said the 1MDB issue was one of the main agendas that must be resolved, especially by the Home Ministry.

“This is something of urgency and I urge the staff of the Home Ministry to give full support to the investigating task force,” he added.

The Government has set up a special task force on 1MDB, which comprises former attorney general Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Com­mission chief commissioner Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed, current MACC chief Datuk Seri Shukri Abdull and Bukit Aman Special Branch director Datuk Abdul Hamid Bador.