Fugitive Malaysian financier Jho Low has filed a presidential pardon application with former US President Donald Trump in 2026, seeking dismissal of US criminal charges against him related to the 1MDB scandal [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. The pardon request is under review by the US Department of Justice and White House legal advisors, but White House officials say it is not a current priority and has not been actively considered [1, 2, 3, 7].
Low faces charges including money laundering and corruption for his alleged role in misappropriating approximately US$4.5 billion from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), a state investment fund [1, 5, 8, 7]. The 1MDB scandal involves an estimated RM52 billion (about US$12.5 billion) stolen through complex fraud schemes, with bribery payments linked to Low estimated at around US$2 billion and a co-conspirator group receiving about US$1 billion in kickbacks [8, 9].
Malaysian authorities and government officials, including the 1MDB special task force chairman, strongly oppose any pardon for Jho Low. They demand extradition and US cooperation in bringing him to justice. "As for me, I oppose the pardon," said Datuk Seri Zohari, the task force chairman [1]. Communications Minister Datuk Fami added, "Jho Low should not be considered for any pardon due to the enormity of crimes and disaster he brought to the country. He must return and face trial in Malaysia" [5]. Another official said, "The US President’s pardon power cannot be used to undermine rule of law or let key actors in this major scandal escape justice" [2].
However, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim took a contrasting stance, saying Malaysia would not formally oppose or lodge diplomatic protest over the US pardon process. "We do not support this route (seeking pardon), but it’s a US matter," he noted [6]. Opposition MPs and other party leaders criticized Anwar’s position, urging the government to contest the pardon formally and immediately [10, 5, 9]. As one MP said, "Anwar should write to President Trump to formally express Malaysia’s strong opposition to the pardon application by fugitive businessman Jho Low" [9].
Malaysian police continue to investigate reports, not independently confirmed, that Low secretly returned to Malaysia in late 2025 [11, 8]. Police say these reports remain unverified and under active investigation [12].
It is unclear if the US government has officially notified Malaysia about Low’s pardon application [3, 11]. The pardon remains pending with no announced timetable for decision or public updates.
Malaysian authorities continue law enforcement actions related to the 1MDB scandal while monitoring developments in the US legal process. The high-profile case remains a focal point in cross-border anti-corruption efforts.
