SINGAPORE (Aug 24): Jho Taek Low (Jho Low), the alleged mastermind behind Malaysia’s scandal-ridden state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), is defiant despite criminal charges being filed against him earlier today.
See: Malaysia files criminal charges against Jho Low in absentia
Low, who along with his father Tan Sri (Larry) Low Hock Peng were charged “in absentia” for money laundering over money allegedly stolen from 1MDB.
According to a statement issued by Low’s spokesman, Low will not submit to any jurisdiction where guilty has been pre-determined.
Following the announcement of these charges, Low’s attorneys through a spokesman said that this came as a distraction to draw attention away from the Malaysian government’s plan to sell the Equanimity superyacht without first verifying ownership through proper legal process.
To recap, the Equanimity was seized by the Indonesian government on Feb 28, as it was spotted in Bali. On Aug 6, the superyacht was handed over to the Malaysian government.
The statement also said, “Mr Low is conferring with his lawyers regarding what legal action he can take to address this latest political reprisal, but he stands by his earlier statements: He will not submit to any jurisdiction where guilt has been predetermined by politics and self-interest overrules legal process.”
"It is abundantly clear that it would be impossible for Mr. Low to get a fair trial in Malaysia, where the government has proven time and time again that they have no interest in the rule of law," the statement added.
