Putrajaya now eyeing Jho Low's private jet

Dr Mahathir (left) and Jho Low

SERDANG (Bernama): The Government is now eyeing a private jet belonging to fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, or Jho Low, currently reported to be in Singapore, said Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

When asked about reports that Putrajaya is planning to bring back the jet, the Prime Minister said: “Yes, I think so. We have to bring it back.”

He said this to reporters after visiting an art exhibition "Tun M: A Forever Legacy" at the Perdana University here on Sunday.

According to media reports, the private jet was impounded by Singaporean authorities in 2017 and grounded at the Seletar Airport.

It was also reported that the impounded Bombardier Global 5000 aircraft was part of some US$1bil in assets allegedly acquired with funds misappropriated from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

Asked about discussions to bring the private jet back to the country, Dr Mahathir said: “I don’t know, somebody else is doing it.” 

Dr Mahathir stressed that the Government was trying to get back all the money that had been stolen from the country.

“We know who has it but of course, we do not know where they are.  And the need for us to access the money depends on our proving that it is our money,” he said.

Superyacht Equanimity, widely reported to be linked to Jho Low,  had arrived in Malaysia on Aug 7 after being handed over by Indonesian authorities.

The RM1bil superyacht is currently berthed at Port Klang. 

Asked to comment on Jho Low's statement through his spokesman alleging that Malaysia was “putting words into the mouth” of the US authorities by saying the yacht's arrival in Malaysia was after negotiations with the Americans, Dr Mahathir said: " I am very proud that I can put words into the US government."

"I must be greater than (Donald) Trump. Well you can ask the US authorities whether I put the words. I typed out the thing properly and shove it down his throat. But he (Jho Low) should accept that," he added. - Bernama