The government is considering whether it's worth bringing home fugitive financier Low Taek Jho's private jet which was allegedly bought with funds embezzled from the state investment fund 1MDB, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said this when asked whether the government was proceeding with its plan to bring home the US$35 million Bombardier Global 5000 aircraft as had been stated in August.

"I don't know whether it's worth taking it back now. The plane cannot be flown. Only if it's worthwhile we'll bring it back."

Mahathir's comments come amidst approval by a US federal court for the auction of the luxury jet to proceed after the US Department of Justice (DOJ) sou8ght an order for it.

Bidding for the private jet will begin two weeks from now and will be open for 25 days.

The proceeds from the auction will be held in escrow by the US until the rights of various parties over the jet are determined by the courts.

The jet is currently being held at a private company's hangar at Seletar Airport in Singapore after the Singaporean authorities impounded it in February last year.

It was reported that the aircraft, as well as the US$250 million Equanimity superyacht, were part of some US$1 billion in assets allegedly acquired with funds misappropriated from 1MDB.

Mahathir was speaking to reporters after officiating the conferment of fellowships by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia and the announcement of the country's top research scientists at the Sunway Putra Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

No need for party branches 

Mahathir also responded to former Petrosaudi executive director Xavier Andre Justo's claim that the joint-venture deal between PetroSaudi International Ltd (PetroSaudi) and 1MDB was purposefully crafted to steal the government's money.

"I think if you (Justo) can give some evidence that is relevant, you are welcome (to be a witness),” he said.

However, he added that would depend on whether the prosecutor wanted Justo to be called as a key witness.

On students in politics, Mahathir said he disapproved of the idea that political parties set up branches in universities in the future.

"You (students) are free to talk as you like. (So) there's no need (to join a political party in university)," he said.

Yesterday, the Education Minister Maszlee Malik (above) said political parties could set up branches in public universities after the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA) is amended.

This would only be applicable to public universities which come under the UUCA, he said.

He added the amendments were in line with the proposed lowering of voting age to 18 years.