KUALA LUMPUR (May 30): Fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, more popularly known as Jho Low, disseminated this open letter to the media through his public relations firm after the High Court ruled that parties claiming to have interest in any of the RM31 million worth of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB)-related assets which were seized by the government, have until Aug 30 to challenge the assets forfeiture.

The assets include monies amounting to RM18 million in several bank accounts, RM537,000 cash in 13 currencies, 27 Nissan Urvan vehicles, 263 handbags, 14 watches, 27 pairs of shoes, and the Penang bungalow belonging to Goh Gaik Ewe — mother of Jho Low.

Below are the contents of the letter:

Dear Friends

My parents worked tirelessly for many decades to provide their children with a safe, comfortable upbringing. Before I was born, my mother enjoyed good success in her investments. It is thanks to these prudent decisions that they were not only able to purchase and build 69 Tanjong Bunga Park, but also selflessly donate to and support their local communities for decades similar to my late grandfather.

There is no question that the purchase and building of this family home predated the very existence of 1MDB by more than a decade. This point is irrefutable, and is supported by a wealth of evidence, including the Certificate of Occupation dated 13 July 2000.

For the Malaysian government to now attempt to summarily seize my family home under the unequivocally false purported evidence and pretence that the purchase and building of the family home is somehow connected to the 1MDB allegations made against me is ludicrous, and yet another example of the regime’s willingness to trample on due process in order to exact political reprisals. It has been widely reported that the Mahathir regime has on numerous previous occasions fabricated evidence and abused and manipulated the judicial system to advance their agendas.

It is clear that the regime’s intent has always been to score ‘political wins’ by taking aim at me through whatever means necessary, including a sustained global media campaign to paint me and my family as “guilty fugitives” to pressure us, irrespective of the law or basic human rights. With the attempted seizure of my family’s home which was built decades ago prior to 1MDB, the regime wants to make it a personal vendetta by taking aim at my entire family, and as a consequence has jeopardized their safety. This sort of conduct by the Mahathir regime continues to damage Malaysia’s reputation at home and abroad, and serves as yet more evidence of the inability to receive a fair trial under this regime.

Importantly, I am not the only one concerned about Mahathir’s anti-democratic leanings and disregard for the rule of law and basic human rights. Earlier this month, the Deputy Asia Director of Human Rights Watch called the Mahathir regime’s approach to human rights a “profound disappointment.” In addition, just last month, Human Rights Watch condemned the Mahathir regime’s recent decision to withdraw from its commitment to the governing body that prosecutes genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, saying that such a decision makes a mockery of the Malaysian government's commitment to justice.

Malaysians deserve better than what the Mahathir regime offers. They deserve a system of justice that is fair, impartial, and protects and upholds the basic rights that should be afforded to us all.”

Sincerely,

Jho Low