PARLIAMENT | A government lawmaker has slammed the Home Ministry for failing to give a clear answer about the status of Malaysia’s Interpol “red notice” against Low Taek Jho.
Chong Zhemin (Harapan-Kampar) accused Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail of merely explaining Interpol’s protocols instead of answering whether an arrest notice for Low exists.
This was after the Dewan Rakyat today published Saifuddin’s written response to Chong’s earlier query about Putrajaya’s efforts to locate and arrest the fugitive businessperson.
“While the government states that its commitment remains firm, the answer given in Parliament failed to address the central question.
“Malaysians were not told whether there is currently an active Interpol red notice against Low. This is a straightforward matter that requires a clear confirmation.
“The minister explained Interpol’s autonomy and the complexity of international protocols. However, these explanations do not substitute for transparency.
“The public is not asking for sensitive operational details. The public is asking whether the international alert mechanism that supports his (Low’s) arrest remains in force,” Chong said in a statement.
The DAP MP had sought the home minister to state what the government is doing to pursue the arrest of the businessperson who was implicated in the 1MDB mega-scandal.
Sensitive cooperation
In his parliamentary reply, Saifuddin said Malaysia remains committed to locating and arresting Low.
He explained Interpol’s autonomy in managing its notices and that many red notices are not published publicly, especially in cases that involve financial crimes.
“This case involves the legal jurisdiction of multiple countries. Revealing the specific status can affect ongoing legal and diplomatic strategies.
“The government’s priority now is to ensure the return of our country’s assets. Any public statement regarding individual location or notice status can affect sensitive cooperation that we have with countries that are assisting us.
“Thus, the government cannot publicly reveal the specific status at the international level, to respect Interpol’s autonomy and ensure the success of negotiations and case settlement that involve many countries,” said the minister.
Malaysians deserve to know
Fuming at the answer, Chong stressed that Malaysians deserve to know the status of the manhunt for Low as the 1MDB case involved billions of public funds and represented one of the most serious financial scandals in the country’s history.
“Respecting Interpol’s procedures does not prevent the government from confirming the legal status of its own request.
“If the red notice has been removed or is no longer active, Malaysians deserve to know whether Malaysia has filed an appeal or submitted a renewed request with updated documentation.
“The government has repeatedly stated that asset recovery is a priority. However, justice is not complete without accountability.
“Bringing Low back to face trial in Malaysia is essential not only for legal closure but also for restoring public confidence in our institutions,” Chong said. - Mkini
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