PKR rep moots RM10m bounty for Jho Low to avert another DNAA

In a dramatic appeal that raises the stakes in the hunt for fugitive financier Low Taek Jho, or Jho Low, a PKR assemblyperson has called on the government to offer a RM10 million reward to track down the man believed to be the criminal mastermind behind the 1MDB scandal.

Rawang assemblyperson Chua Wei Kiat said Low’s return is critical for justice to be served, comparing his accountability to that of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak, who is serving a prison sentence.

He emphasised that Low’s return is also crucial to ensure that investigations and prosecutions related to 1MDB can be completed in full.

“This would help prevent outcomes like a DNAA (discharge not amounting to acquittal) from recurring simply due to the absence of key witnesses and insufficient evidence,” he added.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration has faced mounting criticism over a series of DNAA decisions, the latest involving Najib in a case concerning three counts of money laundering linked to RM27 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd.

Urging the government to take a “bold and proactive step”, Chua said the reward should be offered to any individual, private party, or foreign enforcement agency that can provide credible information leading to the successful return of the key fugitive in the 1MDB case.

“I propose that the reward amount be set at RM10 million, which constitutes just 0.035 percent of the total 1MDB funds that have so far been successfully recovered by Malaysia - over RM29 billion to date,” he added.

Face the law

The assemblyperson also issued a stern warning to those who believe they can evade justice.

“Those involved in criminal acts must face the law, not live in hiding for the rest of their lives,” he emphasised.

Chua noted that the proposed reward is not without precedent, pointing out that major countries like the United States, India, and China have long employed similar bounty systems, especially when tracking down wanted criminals, terrorists, or individuals implicated in transnational money laundering and corruption.

He added that if the RM10 million reward leads to the return of the key figure who has long eluded justice, it would be a worthy investment.

“It would also send a clear signal to the world that Malaysia does not compromise in tackling mega-scale corruption. We must not forget that Low is not just a suspect - he is a symbol of a breached system, manipulated institutions, and a nation's stolen wealth.

“How can justice be served if the individual holding the key to the entire scandal remains free and continues to enjoy a luxurious life abroad?” he asked.

Chua stressed that all parties involved in the 1MDB scandal must be held accountable, underscoring that true justice can only be achieved when everyone, regardless of status or wealth, is brought to face the law.

Investigative journalists Bradley Hope and Tom Wright have claimed that the fugitive financier was recently sighted in Shanghai. They alleged that he is working with the Chinese government as a “behind-the-scenes strategist”.

According to them, Low is reportedly using a fake Australian passport under the Greek name Constantinos Achilles Veis to conceal his identity and movements.

In a statement, PKR Youth reaffirmed the wing’s stance that the government and law enforcement agencies must remain focused on efforts to repatriate Low to face charges in Malaysia.

Citing the billions of ringgit in losses linked to the 1MDB scandal, PKR Youth said, “This is an enormous sum and has had a direct impact on the well-being of the people and the nation’s development.”

“As such, PKR Youth urges the government to step up cooperation with Interpol and other international law enforcement agencies to track down and bring Low home without delay. 

“There must be no compromise on this matter,” they stressed.

Priority

In July last year, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, when asked if the government is not focusing on pursuing Low, emphasised that the priority was 1MDB asset recovery.

“When our national assets are returned to the US Justice Department (DOJ), our focus is on asset repatriation,” he said.

This was after Low handed over assets worth more than US$100 million (RM424.6 million), including a luxury apartment in Paris and artworks by Claude Monet and Andy Warhol.

The agreement is meant to resolve the civil forfeiture case related to his involvement in the 1MDB corruption and embezzlement scandal.

These assets are in addition to nearly US$1 billion of 1MDB funds, including a US$120 million superyacht, previously forfeited from Low and his family.

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