China using Jho Low as ECRL bargaining chip? Daim: I don't think so

Government advisor Daim Zainuddin is not convinced with the speculation that China is using fugitive businessperson Jho Low as a bargaining chip to revive the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.

"I don't think so," he said when quizzed on this.

"I cannot respond to speculation, it is very difficult," he added at the sidelines of an event in Putrajaya this morning.

The Penang-born Jho Low, who is described to be the mastermind of the 1MDB scandal, has been eluding Malaysian authorities for months.

Previously, Jho Low and his father were charged in absentia over money allegedly stolen from 1MDB.

Meanwhile, Daim said Malaysia is seeking a resolution with China on the ERCL project as soon as possible.

"The negotiation is still going on, we hope we can finalise this as soon as possible," he added.

In July last year, the Pakatan Harapan government had suspended the RM81 billion project, which was approved by the previous BN administration.

Both countries are now in talks to revive the project.

Daim had reportedly said a Chinese delegation met him in Malaysia two months ago for the ECRL talks.

[More to follow] - Mkini