Malaysia Denies Jho Low Return; MACC Keeps Probe Active—July 10

Malaysia’s Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong rejected claims on July 9 that fugitive businessman Jho Low secretly entered the country in 2025 with a Chinese delegation to negotiate 1MDB debts. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission confirmed the same day that its investigation into Low remains active and has never been closed. Low faces charges in the United States and Malaysia for his alleged role in misappropriating at least US$4.5 billion from state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad.

What Malaysia’s government said about the reports

Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong denied the allegations in Parliament after lawmakers questioned him on July 9. Sarawak Report and the Wall Street Journal had separately reported in May that Low was in talks with Malaysian authorities or had entered Malaysia as part of a Chinese delegation to negotiate 1MDB-linked debts. Liew said the government still has to pay an estimated RM20.1 billion (S$6.4 billion) of 1MDB’s debts. The fund’s total obligations stand at RM51.4 billion.

Malaysia’s 1MDB asset recovery progress

Malaysia has recovered RM31.3 billion in 1MDB-linked assets so far, according to Liew’s statement. The government has also repaid RM42.5 billion in 1MDB-related debts and commitments as of June 30, 2026. Asset recovery efforts remain ongoing through criminal and civil proceedings against Low and financial institutions that enabled the scandal, Liew said.

MACC says investigation into Low is still active

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman dismissed speculation that the commission had halted its probe into Low. “The investigation into Jho Low is still ongoing. It has never been closed,” he said on July 9. MACC is focusing on offences under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 and anti-money laundering laws, including possible corruption, abuse of power, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering. The commission is also investigating Ops Agam, which involves a luxury property in the United States allegedly linked to 1MDB funds, with assistance from the FBI and other international enforcement agencies.

Who is Jho Low and what are the charges

Low Taek Jho, known as Jho Low, faces multiple charges including corruption and money laundering in the United States and Malaysia. He allegedly played a central role in misappropriating at least US$4.5 billion from 1MDB. Low has consistently denied wrongdoing and his whereabouts remain unknown. The 1MDB scandal, uncovered by Sarawak Report, involved the theft of billions of dollars from the Malaysian state development fund.

Final Thoughts

Malaysia’s denial and MACC’s reaffirmation that investigations continue signal the government remains committed to pursuing Low despite his fugitive status. With RM31.3 billion recovered and ongoing asset recovery efforts, the case remains active across multiple jurisdictions.

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