Anwar should oppose Jho Low pardon bid with direct letter to Trump, says Guan Eng

“KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should immediately write to US President Donald Trump to formally oppose fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho’s alleged pardon application linked to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, Lim Guan Eng said today. In a statement this morning, Lim said Anwar’s intervention would demonstrate his continued commitment to ensuring that all perpetrators involved in the 1MDB scandal are punished and that stolen funds are fully recovered. “Anwar’s personal intervention would send a strong message and demonstrate his continued commitment to ensuring that all perpetrators of the 1MDB scandal pay for their crimes and make full restitution of stolen funds, one of the largest financial scandals in the world,” the Bagan MP said. Lim said Anwar and Pakatan Harapan leaders had consistently demanded stern action and accountability since the scandal first emerged, adding that the prime minister should remain committed to that pledge. “There cannot be any lack of purpose or dedication to ensure that those responsible for the 1MDB scandal do not escape with their stolen loot or deserved punishment through pardons,” he said. Low, better known as Jho Low, was charged in 2018 but remains at large. Lim said the fugitive businessman had been accused of masterminding a scheme that siphoned at least US$4.5 billion from 1MDB together with two former bankers from Goldman Sachs Group. He also said US authorities had alleged that about US$2 billion in bribes were paid to foreign officials, including former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who was later convicted and jailed. According to Lim, officials from the US Department of Justice had also alleged that US$1 billion in kickbacks was distributed among participants in the scheme, with Jho Low allegedly pocketing at least US$1.42 billion. Lim said it would be unacceptable for Jho Low to receive a pardon while continuing to evade arrest by both Malaysian and US authorities. He urged Anwar to inform Trump of the implications such a move could have on the rule of law in Malaysia and global anti-corruption efforts. On Wednesday, foreign media reported that Jho Low, who has been accused by the United States of masterminding one of the largest financial frauds in history, had allegedly filed a pardon application to US President Donald Trump several weeks ago. According to the report, approval of the application would result in the US criminal charges against Jho Low being dropped. The report also stated that the US Department of Justice website listed an application filed under the name Taek Jho Low this year as “pending” for a “Pardon after Completion of Sentence”.

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