A STORE at the Bangsar Village shopping centre has come up with a Christmas collection featuring Jholly the Santa, who is missing and being sought by authorities the world over – much like Low Taek Jho.

The merchandise sold at Apom comprises coasters, T-shirts, tote bags, books and Christmas cards with messages like “Wishing You a Billion Dollar Christmas” and “Spend It Like You Stole It”.

Festive red-and-white mugs carry cheeky messages like “Jho! Jho! Jho! ‘Tis the Season of Giving… Back”, “Drink It Like You Stole It” and “Lari (Run), Party, Jholly, Repeat”.

One of Apom’s co-founders, who wanted to be known only as Kelvin, said the store has always incorporated local elements, with a twist, in its products.

While he did not explicitly say the “inspiration” for the Christmas line was Low, better known as Jho Low, who is wanted in connection with the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal, Kelvin said Apom wants to “have fun with Christmas” while “reminding the public of the current situation”.

“People who get it, they have a good laugh… Others say we are just making this man famous, but they’re missing out on the humour. It’s just sarcasm,” the 42-year-old told The Malaysian Insight.

The items made their debut on Wednesday, and will be available for purchase until the end of the year.

Kelvin said the 1MDB scandal is a serious matter, adversely affecting many Malaysians now, and could affect future generations as well.

“We are using pop culture to spread this message.”

Low’s whereabouts remain unknown, but he is believed to be in China. The wanted Penang-born businessman has said he will not surrender himself to Malaysian authorities for questioning, believing that he will not get fair treatment after becoming victim of “trial by media”. – November 18, 2018.