1MDB chairperson Irwan Serigar Abdullah today refused to comment on the seizure of 1MDB-linked luxury superyacht Equanimity by Indonesian police and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). 

After an event at the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) building in Cyberjaya this morning, members of the media made multiple attempts to obtain his response, only to be met with a smile and silent treatment.

Among the questions directed at Irwan were:

  • “What do you think of the yacht, Tan Sri?”
  • “Will the Malaysian government try to get the yacht back, Tan Sri?”
  • “Do you have any comment on the yacht being found, Tan Sri?”

Irwan, who is also Treasury secretary-general, ignored the questions and did not respond.

When followed to his car as he exited the venue, Irwan said “later” when asked once again for his comment.

Yesterday, the Indonesian media reported that the yacht was seized off the coast of Teluk Benoa in Bali, eight days after being tracked by the authorities. 

According to the Indonesian police, the seizure was related to FBI investigations into a money laundering case.

There is no word on whether businessperson Low Taek Jho @ Jho Low was on board the reportedly US$250 million (RM1 billion) vessel.

Numerous reports and photographic evidence have shown that the Equanimity was used by Low to host lavish parties, with Hollywood A-listers, with Leonardo DiCaprio and supermodel Miranda Kerr among those who have been on board.

The vessel is being sought by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) on grounds that it was bought using money laundered from 1MDB. 

In October last year, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he had no information about Low's yacht. At that time, the yacht was spotted off Phuket, Thailand. 

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