Kuala lumpur: Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong has denied allegations that fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low, entered Malaysia with a Chinese delegation last year to engage in negotiations related to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal. Liew made this statement during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat, responding to a query from Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (MUDA-Muar).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Syed Saddiq had earlier referenced media reports claiming that Jho Low attended a clandestine meeting in Malaysia late in the previous year to discuss a repayment package concerning 1MDB with the Ministry of Finance. In response to the initial question posed by Chong Chieng Jen (PH-Stampin) about 1MDB's debts and efforts to recover funds, Liew emphasized the government's ongoing commitment to asset recovery through criminal and civil proceedings, which include actions involving former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Liew highlighted that the High Court had sentenced Najib to 15 years' imprisonment and imposed a fine of RM11.38 billion on December 26, 2025, after finding him guilty of 25 charges related to money laundering and abuse of power linked to 1MDB. The deputy minister also mentioned a civil suit against Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, aiming to recover US$380 million (approximately RM1.56 billion) in damages over 1MDB funds allegedly used for luxury purchases.
He further noted ongoing criminal and civil proceedings against Jho Low, the alleged mastermind behind the 1MDB misappropriation, involving a civil claim valued at US$3.78 billion (about RM15.4 billion). Liew outlined that the 1MDB scandal had resulted in significant losses to the nation, including direct financial losses, opportunity costs, irrecoverable losses, and damage to Malaysia's international reputation.
Earlier, Liew revealed that the government had paid RM42.5 billion by June 30 to settle 1MDB's debts and obligations, covering principal repayments, interest, legal and operational costs, and other commitments. Additionally, he stated that the government is responsible for RM8.9 billion in Sukuk Islamic Medium Term Notes maturing in 2039, consisting of RM5 billion in principal and RM3.9 billion in interest.
Liew concluded by stating that the government's total financial exposure related to 1MDB amounts to RM51.4 billion, with RM31.3 billion recovered to date. The remaining RM20.1 billion would be borne by the government unless additional assets are recovered in the future.