Jho Low had significant role in 1MDB, says former PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low had a significant role in 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) due to his strategic relationship with several Middle East royalties.

In an exclusive interview with Malaysiakini, Najib said Low had special relationship with the late King Abdullah Abdulaziz AlSaud of Saudi Arabia and his family, as well as several monarchies in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“He had somehow developed these relationships, which could be of value to Malaysia. That was in that context.

“It was with this context that Low represented the MiddleEast partners and their dealings and partnerships with 1MDB,” he was quoted as saying.

Najib said he was aware of the good relationship between Low and the Middle Eastern royal families, however, he had no knowledge on what Low did with them.

Najib said before he became the sixth prime minister, as well as the establishment of 1MDB, Low was already in charge of three listed companies and had significant investments in Iskandar Malaysia with funding purportedly coming in from certain Middle East countries.

“He certainly impressed many including me with his strong Middle East connections,” Najib was quoted as saying by the news portal.

Najib said the late King Abdullah had given the blessings for 1MDB to enter into a joint-venture with PetroSaudi.

“In fact, the Saudi Arabia embassy in Malaysia, as well as a major bank from there, had written letters of support for PetroSaudi,” he said.

PetroSaudi belongs to Prince Turki Abdullah Al Saud, the seventh son of the late King Abdullah.

In the interview, Najib said that good relationship with between Malaysia and the Saudi Arabian government had helped in higher haj pilgrimage quota for Malaysians.

When asked on whether he had been in touch with Low, Najib said it was some time ago.

“Yes, I did (communicate with him) and he said it was not for him. He said he was acting on a Middle-Eastern royal member’s behalf. That was the response he gave,” he said in the interview.

The United States Department of Justice (DoJ) has alleged Low had misappropriated of 1MDB funds with the purchase of luxury properties and artwork among others, as well as a superyacht worth US250 million (RM1.01 billion).