PETALING JAYA: Fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho said he was keen to return to Malaysia to face charges related to the 1MDB scandal, but only if there is a conducive political climate.
“I am looking forward to the day when the political climate in Malaysia is such that I feel safe enough to return home and the rule of law will be respected so that the facts can be presented, and I can vigorously defend myself,” Low, or Jho Low, said in an interview conducted over email with The Straits Times.
The Singapore paper quoting his aides said the interview was the first time Jho Low responded without a public relations firm as intermediary.
Jho Low has been named as the alleged ringleader of a multibillion-dollar theft from 1MDB.
US authorities have brought 30 forfeiture lawsuits seeking real estate, investments, art and jewelry valued at US$1.7 billion that Low and his accomplices bought.
The businessman’s whereabouts is still unknown, and Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador recently expressed disappointment with foreign authorities for refusing to cooperate in apprehending him.
ST said it believed that Jho Low was in a “a country in Europe”.
In the interview, Jho Low revealed that he had “multiple brushes with cancer”, adding that he wanted to spend money on cutting-edge cancer research.
“I would cherish the opportunity to reinvigorate my philanthropic efforts and to give back to the community and help others in any way I can,” he said.
“I am confident that when all is said and done, people will see me in a very different light to how I am portrayed now.”
He said he had more trust in the US justice system “where the rule of law is respected and where people are considered innocent until proven guilty”, adding that he was happy with a series of settlements struck with the US Department of Justice.
He said he was merely an “intermediary” in transactions involving 1MDB as he enjoyed good ties to influential decision makers, but was made a scapegoat as he was not a politician.
“The reality is that I am an easy target for all those above given the fact that I am not a politician,” he said.
He also claimed that his ties with powerful personalities in Saudi Arabia had benefited Malaysia, including in the increased allocation of the annual haj quota.
“During this period, Malaysia’s relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were at a historic high, as compared to their current state. This was demonstrated by the many meetings and communications between former prime minister Najib Razak and the then King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the then Saudi Minister of Finance,” he said.
“In one particular demonstration of the strength of the relationship with Malaysia, the Saudi government, arranged for an official envoy to fly to Subang airport for an in-person meeting with former prime minister Najib Razak in Malaysia.” -FMT