The Immigration Department has no current information on allegations that fugitive tycoon Low Taek Jho had entered the country last year, purportedly as part of a high-level Chinese delegation.
When contacted, Immigration director-general Zakaria Shaaban also declined to comment on whether authorities would investigate the allegation raised by online portal Sarawak Report, which cited unnamed sources.
“As of now, JIM (Immigration Department) has no information related to this matter,” Zakaria told Malaysiakini yesterday.
Sarawak Report had exposed that Low’s appeal for a presidential pardon in the United States took place in January amid allegations that he played a key role in “secret negotiations between China and Malaysia” to write off 1MDB-related debts at the end of last year.
The whistleblower site blocked by Malaysian authorities quoted sources who claimed that meetings involving Low even took place in Kuala Lumpur, purportedly under the “protection” of a Chinese delegation.
The report alleged that the talks, held with Low present, were to resolve Malaysia’s 1MDB-related issues with China, particularly Beijing’s alleged role in helping imprisoned former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak cover up the scandal.
Malaysiakini has contacted the Chinese Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, as well as the Home Ministry, for comments.
Attempt at a pardon
Earlier today, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government will not file a protest against Low’s application for a pardon from US President Donald Trump.
He said while Malaysia does not support Low’s attempt, it is a matter for the US and is considered a “non-issue” for Malaysia.
Low is wanted by authorities for his role in the 1MDB scandal. He was charged in 2018 but has remained at large.
He has been accused of masterminding a scheme that siphoned at least US$4.5 billion (about RM17.7 billion) from 1MDB, together with two former bankers from Goldman Sachs. - Mkini
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