KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia should assert its stance amid reports that fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, is seeking a presidential pardon in the United States for offences tied to the 1MDB scandal, says Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
In a statement today, Gobind said while he agreed with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim that the decision ultimately rests with the US, Malaysia must still voice its concerns and consistently demand accountability.
“Malaysia has suffered immense, multi-generational losses because of the 1MDB scandal. This was a heist of national proportions that robbed our people of their wealth and our country of its reputation,” he said.
Gobind stressed that everyone involved in the scandal must face action “without exception”, adding that the country should never allow those responsible to “walk free, bypassing the doors of justice”.
He also cited findings from the 1MDB trial, where High Court judge Collin Sequerah noted evidence showing an “unmistakable bond and connection” between Jho Low and the former prime minister implicated in the case.
Highlighting the global nature of the scandal, Gobind said it involved complex cross-border financial transactions and international investigations.
“This is a case which captured global attention as it involved transactions that extended beyond our country,” he said. “It took multi-layer, cross-border investigations to piece the entire case together.”
He added that legal action against Jho Low in the US forms a key part of the wider effort to secure justice in the 1MDB case.
“Those responsible in this global conspiracy must be brought to justice for crimes committed in connection with it, whether it be here in Malaysia or anywhere else in the world,” he said.
Gobind also reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to bringing Jho Low back to face charges locally.
“I will raise this matter in Cabinet on Wednesday so that it can be discussed in detail, with the hope that a decision will be taken as to what needs to be done next in this matter moving ahead,” he said.
The remarks follow a Wall Street Journal report stating that Jho Low had reportedly contacted the Oval Office to seek a US presidential pardon. The report described the move as the latest and perhaps most audacious attempt by the fugitive businessman, who remains at the centre of the multi-billion-dollar 1MDB scandal.
Sources familiar with the matter said the request was submitted in recent weeks and, if approved, could potentially dismiss US criminal charges against him.
The report sparked opposition from Malaysian leaders and anti-corruption advocates.
Earlier, Malaysian Corruption Watch president Jais Abdul Karim said Jho Low should return to Malaysia and face justice “like a gentleman” rather than seeking foreign clemency.
Meanwhile, 1MDB asset recovery taskforce chairman Johari Abdul Ghani said Jho Low should not be pardoned.
“As far as I’m concerned, I’m against the pardon,” said the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, adding that the United States should instead assist Malaysia in locating Low for further investigations.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil also insisted that Jho Low should face trial in Malaysia rather than receiving any pardon.
“Jho Low should not be given any consideration for forgiveness because the sins and misfortunes he has brought to our country are too great. He needs to be returned and brought to court in Malaysia to be tried. That’s what should have happened,” he said, as reported by Bernama. – May 16, 2026