China whispers over Jho Low
There’s talk but nothing confirmed, says IGP
KUALA LUMPUR: Many people are speculating that fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho is in China but it is not definitive, said Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun.
The Inspector-General of Police said Bukit Aman had engaged their overseas counterparts, including China, to track down him down.
“Our efforts and discussions are ongoing as certain officers have been assigned to the task.
“I know many people are speculating that he (Jho Low) is in China but it is not definitive,” he said.
Asked on the status of the 1MDB investigation, the IGP said Bukit Aman had constantly updated the Attorney General’s Chambers on the progress.
“We cannot reveal the details of the case but the investigation process, be it in terms of predicate offence and other aspects are still being handled diligently,” he said.
On the items seized from premises connected to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, including handbags and jewellery, Mohamad Fuzi said police needed to complete their investigations by May 16.
“We are following the instructions of the deputy public prosecutor. After that date, we will propose the next course of action to the
courts,” he said.
On another matter, the IGP said Bukit Aman has already submitted its objections and suggestions in regard to the government’s move to set up the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) and proposed amendments to a few laws.
He said a task force had been set up to collect feedback on the IPCMC and the proposed amendments more than six months ago.
“Feedback from various parties, including Bukit Aman’s leadership, as well as serving and retired police
personnel have been collected.
“We have submitted our objections on certain aspects and come up with counter proposals to the government verbally and in writing,” he told reporters after presenting awards of excellence in Bukit Aman yesterday.
The IPCMC Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament, which will start its meeting next week.
There are also talks that several laws, including the Sedition Act, will be amended.
The IPCMC is a police oversight body first proposed by a Royal
Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to improve the police force in 2005 following a spate of deaths in custody.
One of the 125 recommendations by the RCI was for an IPCMC to be set up, which will be independent and able to investigate police misconduct, as well as take necessary action.
“We have urged the government to address most of the 125 RCI recommendations, including the welfare of the police.
“I am confident the matter will be looked into seriously,” he said.