Malaysia denies Jho Low secretly returned with Chinese delegation for 1MDB talks in 2025
The Malaysian government has denied claims that fugitive financier Jho Low secretly returned with a Chinese delegation to negotiate a 1MDB settlement. Parliament rejected the allegation as MACC reaffirmed its investigation remains active and ongoing with international cooperation.
- The government denied reports that Jho Low returned to Malaysia for secret 1MDB negotiations.
- MACC confirmed its investigation into Low remains active and is pursuing international cooperation.
- Malaysia has repaid RM42.5 billion of 1MDB-related obligations while Low remains wanted on multiple charges.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: The Malaysian government has denied allegations that fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, recently returned to Malaysia as part of a Chinese delegation to negotiate a settlement over the multi-billion ringgit liabilities linked to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong dismissed the claim during a parliamentary sitting on Thursday after the matter was raised by Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
"I deny the allegation," Liew said in a brief response after Syed Saddiq noted that the government had yet to publicly confirm or reject the report.
Sarawak Report claim rejected
The allegation originated from UK-based investigative news portal Sarawak Report, which claimed that Low had entered Malaysia to discuss what it described as a "repayment package" linked to 1MDB.
In an earlier report published in May, the portal alleged that Low continued to receive protection from senior figures in China.
Citing unnamed sources, Sarawak Report further claimed that Low attended confidential discussions in Kuala Lumpur towards the end of 2025 as part of a Chinese delegation.
The report alleged the talks were aimed at resolving outstanding issues involving China and 1MDB, including what it described as China's role in assisting imprisoned former prime minister Najib Razak in covering up the scandal.
Low remains wanted
Low remains a fugitive sought by authorities in both Malaysia and the United States over his alleged role in the misappropriation of at least US$4.5 billion from 1MDB.
He faces multiple charges, including corruption and money laundering.
Low has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
International media have repeatedly reported that Low is believed to be residing in China, although Chinese authorities have consistently rejected those claims.
The 1MDB scandal remains one of Malaysia's largest financial controversies. Authorities have estimated that approximately RM51 billion, equivalent to about US$12.5 billion, was misappropriated from the state investment fund established during Najib's administration.
Government outlines debt repayments
Liew also updated Parliament on Malaysia's financial commitments arising from the 1MDB scandal.
As of 30 June 2026, the government has paid RM42.5 billion towards the fund's debts and related commitments.
The figure includes repayments of principal, interest, legal expenses, operational costs and other financial obligations arising from the scandal.
The repayments form part of the government's long-term effort to manage liabilities inherited from the collapse of the sovereign investment fund.
MACC says probe remains active
Separately, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) stressed that its investigation into Low remains ongoing and has never been closed.
Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman dismissed speculation that the agency had halted its investigation into the alleged mastermind behind the 1MDB scandal.
Although declining to provide further details on the status of the probe, Abd Halim said the commission remained committed to pursuing all available investigative avenues under its jurisdiction.
His remarks came as MACC also confirmed that investigations under Ops Agam were continuing.
The operation involves a luxury property in the United States allegedly linked to funds misappropriated from 1MDB.
According to the commission, the investigation is being conducted with assistance from Malaysian authorities and international enforcement agencies, including the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Separate investigations
Abd Halim said MACC and the Royal Malaysia Police were conducting separate investigations based on their respective legal powers.
"As far as MACC is concerned, we are carrying out our responsibilities independently. We have not sat down with the police at this point. If there is a need in the future, of course we will do so to facilitate the investigations," he said.
"We are first looking into whether there are elements of corruption, abuse of power, misappropriation or money laundering. The police may have a different scope of investigation under their jurisdiction."
He said MACC's investigation focuses on offences under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, including alleged corruption, abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering.
Separately, the United States Department of Justice website confirmed that Low was not included in President Donald Trump's latest list of pardons.
The omission ended media speculation that Low could receive presidential clemency ahead of the United States' 250th Independence Day celebrations on 4 July.
