Kuala lumpur: Malaysia will not focus on or consider any issue related to pardoning fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He stated any pardon application involving Jho Low should not even arise, given the seriousness of the alleged crimes linked to the businessman, which resulted in massive losses to the country.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar noted that confusion had arisen regarding Malaysia's stance on the matter. He clarified that when he mentioned the issue did not arise, it was not to imply there was no issue but rather to emphasize that any pardon request would not be entertained. "He is involved in fraud and crimes that caused billions in losses to the country. I will not seek a pardon for him," Anwar asserted during an engagement session and presentation of Letters of Acceptance (SST) to Bumiputera subcontractors at the Perak State Education Complex.

Anwar highlighted that several media reports had misrepresented Malaysia's position on the issue, thereby creating confusion. He stressed that the matter is not one that warrants focus or consideration from the Malaysian government.

Last Tuesday, foreign media reported that Jho Low, accused by US authorities of orchestrating one of the largest financial frauds in history, is believed to have submitted a pardon application to former President Donald Trump. If approved, the criminal charges against Jho Low in the US would be dropped. The report also mentioned that the US Department of Justice website lists an application under the name Taek Jho Low as "pending" for "Pardon after Completion of Sentence."

The businessman was charged in 2018 for embezzling about USD4.5 billion (RM17.7 billion) from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds and remains at large, wanted by authorities.