Bringing back Jho Low a delicate process, says top cop

Fugitive financier Jho Low. (Facebook pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: Police are still in the midst of tracking down fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador said today.

Hamid said efforts to bring Low back to the country involved a very delicate process and must be done very carefully to avoid any duplication in steps.

“At the same time, we want the authorities to not feel as though we are trying to put pressure on them.

“Negotiations are ongoing and, God willing, I am of the view that the country where Low is hiding understands that we need to bring him back to face charges in Malaysia,” he told reporters after attending a Hari Raya open house at the Police Training Centre here today.

Also present were Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and Federal Territories Minister Khalid Samad.

Low, who is wanted by the authorities in connection with the 1MDB scandal, had raised concerns that he would not receive a fair trial, citing persecution and trial by media.

He is being sought by law enforcement agencies in several countries as part of investigations into corruption, bribery and money laundering.

Last week, US ambassador to Malaysia Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir said the fugitive financier was more than welcome to prove his innocence in an American court if he does not want to return home to Malaysia.

“If he is so sure of his innocence, let him come home or he can come to the United States. And then he can prove his case in court,” she said in an interview in Penang. - FMT