Malaysia should formally express its opposition to any attempt by fugitive financier Jho Low to secure a presidential pardon in the United States over offences linked to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal, said Gobind Singh Deo.
The Digital Minister and Democratic Action Party (DAP) national chairman said although the decision ultimately rests with the US authorities, Malaysia must make its position clear that all individuals involved in the 1MDB scandal must face justice without exception.
Gobind said the 1MDB scandal had caused “immense, multi-generational losses” to Malaysia, describing it as a “heist of national proportions” that damaged both the nation’s finances and global reputation.
“We cannot, and must never allow the architects of this crime and those involved in enabling it, to walk free, bypassing the doors of justice,” he said in a statement today.
Gobind stressed that the Malaysian courts had already highlighted the seriousness of the scandal during the lengthy 1MDB trial proceedings.
Referring to High Court judge Justice Collin Sequerah’s judgment, he noted that evidence presented in court showed an “unmistakable bond and connection” between former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Jho Low, who acted as a “proxy and intermediary” in 1MDB affairs.
He said the scandal was not confined to Malaysia alone, as it involved cross-border financial transactions and international investigations spanning multiple jurisdictions.
“As such, any action involving Jho Low in the US must be viewed as part of the broader global effort to hold those responsible accountable,” he said.
Gobind also reiterated Malaysia’s continued demand for Jho Low to be returned to face charges in Malaysian courts.
He added that he would raise the matter during Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting in the hope that the government would decide on the next course of action regarding the alleged pardon bid
