Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia’s position on fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, will remain unchanged even if he is granted a pardon by US President Donald Trump.
Anwar said any decision on a pardon is a matter for the United States, but stressed that Malaysia would continue pursuing Low through its own legal process.
Speaking after Friday prayers, he said Malaysia would continue to uphold the rule of law and that any decision made by another country would neither influence nor alter the government’s position.
The remarks followed international media reports that Low was among about 250 individuals being considered for possible clemency under a proposed initiative marking the 250th anniversary of US independence.
However, according to reports, a White House official said that although Trump has the final authority over presidential pardons, those named in the reports, including Low, were not currently under consideration by the pardon team.
Malaysia to continue legal process
Anwar reiterated that the government would not shift its position on Low regardless of developments overseas.
Low is wanted by Malaysian and US authorities over the 1MDB financial scandal.
US authorities charged him in 2018 with allegedly embezzling about US$4.5 billion from 1MDB. He remains at large.
PM: JS-SEZ should not become election issue
Separately, Anwar said Johor Barisan Nasional chairman and caretaker menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi should not use the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) as campaign material for the Johor state election.
He said the project is a federal initiative undertaken jointly by the Malaysian and Singaporean governments with the cooperation of the Johor state administration.
Anwar noted that the agreement was signed at the prime ministerial level between Malaysia and Singapore, adding that the project continues to receive substantial federal funding and support.
He also criticised attempts to use the project as a political issue during the election campaign.
Onn Hafiz raised concerns over delays
On Thursday, Onn Hafiz said the launch of the JS-SEZ master plan had been postponed several times and urged that it be introduced without further delay.
He said additional delays could undermine investor confidence and affect economic momentum.
Anwar had previously said the government would not focus on speculation surrounding any possible pardon for Low and would continue to pursue the matter through the legal process.
