IGP regrets not being able to extradite Jho Low

SHAH ALAM: Not being able to bring fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, or Jho Low, back to Malaysia is one of Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador’s biggest regrets.

“I even flew to the country (he was hiding in) to have discussions with the authorities there in an effort to bring him back.

“Normally such a request will be reciprocated by authorities of a country, but not in this case, ” said the Inspector-General of Police, who is expected to retire in May.

“It was even more frustrating when we received information that he was free to move about (in the country where he was hiding) and conduct business, ” he told Tan Sri Johan Jaafar in a Facebook live session interview with Sinar Harian yesterday.

Abdul Hamid said when they found out that Jho Low was in Macau, he gave the information to the foreign authorities.

“We even told them that his right-hand man, former SRC International Sdn Bhd managing director and CEO Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil, and his family members were in Hong Kong.

“It was not impossible for the country’s authorities to track them down and apprehend them, ” he said.

He said authorities of different countries usually dealt in “good faith” but “not in this case”.

Abdul Hamid had promised that he would bring Jho Low back to Malaysia by the end of 2019 to help investigations into a multibillion-dollar scandal involving 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

But his goal remains unaccomplished until today.

Despite this, the IGP said police managed to uncover Low’s assets in various countries such as Cyprus, as well as seize offices and condominiums that he owned in Kuala Lumpur.

“The government was left with a huge debt due to Jho Low’s actions. That is why I tried my best to bring him back so that justice could be done.”

“I am deeply disappointed that I was not able to fulfill this promise to Malaysians, ” he added.

Meanwhile, he said police personnel with high integrity would be able to withstand any challenges in the course of their duties.

He said more officers and personnel were becoming more aware of the need to reject certain negative cultures in the police force.

“Senior officers such as Comm Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay are a good example. I have known him for a long time since he was in Special Branch. He is firm, brave and has high integrity.

He was asked whether brave police officers such as Comm Ayob had staying power in the police force.“Those with high integrity in the police force are many but coincidentally, Comm Ayob stands out due to his braveness.

“There are others who are like that but they have their own style while carrying out duties, ” he said.

Abdul Hamid said he was ready to retire and was looking forward to focusing on his hobby – farming.

He also reminded all police personnel to carry out their duties with integrity.

“Use the authority given to help people, instead of victimising them. Leave bad habits and focus on strengthening integrity, ” he added.