SEREMBAN, May 15 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia would not consider a pardon application for fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low.
He said the matter is a non-issue for the Malaysian government as court proceedings for Low are ongoing.
“It’s a non-issue. We are not going to consider (a pardon). No,” he told reporters after officiating a National Youth Day (HBN) event here today.
Asked whether the government would oppose the United States if it allows a pardon bid from Low, Anwar said: “As far as we are concerned, we are not going that route… But of course, what the US decides is its own business.”
He also said he doesn’t know if Low has submitted any such application.
“We have made it very clear, it’s a non-issue. Even if he has submitted an application (for pardon), it’s not an issue that we should discuss because he is still undergoing this process in court,” he said.
Two days ago, foreign media reported that Low, who is accused by the US of masterminding one of the largest financial fraud cases in history, allegedly submitted a pardon application to US President Donald Trump several weeks ago.
According to the report, approval of the application would result in US criminal charges against Low being dropped.
The report also said the US Justice Department website lists an application filed under the name Taek Jho Low this year as “pending” for a “Pardon after Completion of Sentence”.
The businessman was charged in 2018 with misappropriating about US$4.5 billion (RM17.7 billion) from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) funds, but remains at large.
