No Pardon For Jho Low, Damage too Great - Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) -- Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has echoed the view of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) Task Force chairman Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani that fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, should not be pardoned following reports that he is seeking clemency from the United States authorities.

Fahmi, who is also the MADANI Government spokesperson, said Jho Low should return to Malaysia to face trial over the 1MDB financial scandal.

“Jho Low should not be given any consideration for pardon because the damage and hardship he brought upon the country are far too great.

“He must return and be brought before the courts in Malaysia to face justice. That is what should happen,” he told reporters after the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) Excellence Awards ceremony and Lembah Pantai Teachers’ Day Celebration 2026 here today.

Fahmi said the government had yet to discuss the matter as the news surfaced while the Cabinet meeting was still in session yesterday.

Yesterday, foreign media reported that Jho Low, who has been accused by the United States of masterminding one of the largest financial frauds in history, had allegedly filed a pardon application to US President Donald Trump several weeks ago.

According to the report, approval of the application would result in the US criminal charges against Jho Low being dropped.

The report also stated that the US Department of Justice website listed an application filed under the name Taek Jho Low this year as “pending” for a “Pardon after Completion of Sentence”.

The businessman was charged in 2018 with misappropriating about USD4.5 billion (RM17.7 billion) from 1MDB funds, but remains at large and wanted by authorities.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said a retreat involving cross-ministerial integrated action and cooperation to combat online crimes would be held on May 23 and 24.

“We found that beyond the legal aspects, closer coordination and stronger cooperation between agencies and departments are extremely important.

“Many scam-related crimes depend on timing, and if we can block the outflow of funds within half an hour or one hour, and then move to arrest those attempting to withdraw the money, we will be able to combat scam activities more effectively,” he said.

Earlier, Fahmi, who is also Lembah Pantai MP, presented contributions to 30 outstanding SPM students and announced RM3,000 contributions for each school in the constituency in conjunction with Teachers’ Day celebrations on Saturday.

-- BERNAMA