Looking high and low for Jho Low

PETALING JAYA: Where is Jho Low? That is the question everyone is asking now that investigations into 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) are deepening.

There have been reports that the controversial businessman Low Taek Jho is hiding out in Taiwan.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that Low was in Phuket, Thailand, just before Malaysia’s May 9 general election, in anticipation of a victory for his ally, former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The report also said that up until the election, Low maintained direct contact with Najib and his inner circle.

However WSJ said Low left Thailand and “struck a more careful posture” after the elections.

It also stated that despite various investigations launched against 1MDB in various countries, Low continued to party and sail around Asia on a superyacht, still living the high life.

“Low was so nonchalant he held a party in February with celebrity friends in the gambling enclave of Macau,” the report said.

WSJ also stated in its report that Low’s lawyers said the businessman declined to be interviewed or reveal where he was.

Previously, Nanyang Siang Pau reported that Low was hiding in Taiwan. Malaysia does not have an extradition treaty with China or Taiwan.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad also claimed that the Government “roughly knows” where to find Low.

Low is said to be the alleged mastermind behind the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal.