IPOH: Malaysia will not focus on or consider any pardon for fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said any question of a pardon for Jho Low should not even arise, given the seriousness of the crimes, which resulted in massive losses to the country.
"However, there was confusion regarding the Jho Low issue. When I said it did not arise, it did not mean there was no issue. What I meant was that I would not consider it if he were to apply for a pardon.
"He is involved in fraud and crimes that caused billions in losses to the country. I will not seek a pardon for him," he said when met after attending an engagement session and the presentation of Letters of Acceptance (SST) to bumiputra subcontractors at the Perak State Education Complex here on Saturday (May 16).
Anwar said several media reports on Friday (May 15) had created confusion over Malaysia's position on the matter.
"When I say it will not be considered, some media outlets reported otherwise. What I meant was that it is not an issue for us to focus on or consider," he explained.
On Tuesday, foreign media reported that Jho Low, who is accused by US authorities of being the mastermind behind one of the largest financial frauds in history, is believed to have submitted a pardon application to US President Donald Trump a few weeks ago.
According to the report, if the application is approved, criminal charges in the United States against Jho Low will be dropped.
The same report also stated that the US Department of Justice website listed an application in the name of Taek Jho Low as "pending" for "Pardon after Completion of Sentence".
The businessman was charged in 2018 for embezzling about US$4.5bil (RM17.7bil) from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds, but is still at large and wanted by authorities. – Bernama
