Billionaire Jho Low has described as "defamatory" claims by The Edge Media Group boss Tong Kooi Ong for alleging that he was responsible for several anonymous attack blogs.

 

Tong had claimed Jho Low to be behind blogs making "malicious lies" against him and other personalities such as former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Nazir Abdul Razak, brother of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

 

In an emailed response to Malaysiakini's query, a spokesperson for Low called Tong's assertions "outlandish" and "false".

 

"It is false and defamatory to assert that Mr. Low is behind the anonymous blogs.

"As Mr. Low already stated publicly, Low respects Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Nazir Razak ( left ), and Tong Kooi Ong and acknowledges their professional achievements," said the spokesperson.

 

Tong had on Friday announced he had sent a letter of demand to Low, asking that he cease and desist attacks against him and media organisations under him.

 

Responding this, Low's spokesperson said Low's lawyers are looking at this and will prove Tong's claim wrong.

 

"With regard to reports of a legal demand, Low’s lawyers will address this matter directly with Tong's lawyers to confirm that the assertions are preposterous and false," said the spokesperson.

 

Target of articles

 

Tong has been the target of articles in cyberspace alleging his involvement in manipulating the value of the ringgit, which has been performing its poorest in decades.

 

The media boss has vehemently denied any economic sabotage activities, claiming he is being attacked for criticism of the controversial 1Malaysia Development Fund (1MDB).

 

He had linked Low to the attacks after discovering the author of the malicious blogs was also responsible for blogs promoting Low and 1MDB.

 

Tong said his media organisations have only highlighted issues at 1MDB as they are "fearful of the fallout for the country should it fail", pointing out that it has failed to meet three deadlines to pay a RM2 billion loan to a consortium of Malaysian banks.

 

"All the spinning by 1MDB cannot hide this fact. In highlighting the challenges the country faces, we are not sabotaging the nation.

 

"Instead, we believe it will help direct people towards finding solutions for the betterment of the country," he had said.

 The Edge boss serves Jho Low notice over attacks