KUALA LUMPUR: Gobind Singh Deo wants the government to clearly state how it intends to bring fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, back to Malaysia.
“I want to know what actions are being taken to get Jho Low back into the country. Why aren’t we hearing anything about this?” Gobind (PH-Puchong) asked when debating Budget 2021 in Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Nov 18).
He cited a recent international news portal report about Jho Low that he had tried to strike a deal with the government in 2018 to return to the country.
“What are the actions and procedures involved to get Jho Low back instead of the Inspector-General of Police merely saying ‘please come back’,” he added.
Gobind said that it was crucial to get the fugitive businessman back to explain himself as well as recover assets linked to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
He also sought an explanation on why the allocation for prosecution division under the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) was reduced by 37% in Budget 2021.
He said that the allocation was slashed to RM9.8mil compared to RM15.5mil in last year’s budget and there are concerns that this reduction would impact its work.
Gobind said this was baffling as the division is involved in prosecuting several high-profile cases, including that of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
He said the government must explain the lower budget and why it proposed a RM85.5mil for allocation for the Special Affairs Department (Jasa). – THE STAR