PKR veep questions motive behind Hisham’s offer to find Jho Low

KUALA LUMPUR: PKR vice-president Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin has questioned the motive behind Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein’s offer to find fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, in China.

Speaking to reporters at the Parliament lobby yesterday, Shamsul said he was surprised with the offer and that Hishammuddin should have told people of his intention earlier.

Shamsul, who is deputy primary industries minister, said as the relationship between Malaysia and China was good, both countries could deploy its security forces to find Jho Low.

“I don’t see the need for it (Hishammuddin’s assistance).

“The government of China could help us with the case and we (the Malaysian government) also could deploy a team to track Jho Low’s whereabouts.

“There is no need for Hishammuddin’s assistance.”

He said the government should find out Hishammuddin’s motive if it were to accept his offer.

“I believe that the government will scrutinise the offer and rationale behind it.”

Nevertheless, he said, any effort to bring Jho Low to justice should be welcomed.

“We are all aware that former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is facing trials, and many people want to know the truth behind it.

“If the offer is for the sake of finding Jho Low, it should not be a problem.

“(But) of course, there must be coordination between the respective ministries and ministers.

“We must study the offer because we do not want to create any perception.

“We do not want the offer to be the reason to escape from matters related to the previous government.”

On Monday, Hishammuddin said he was willing to help the government find Jho Low if the latter was in China.

Hishammuddin, who is former special functions minister and defence minister, said finding the businessman was the key to bringing closure to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd issue.