A US court’s move to grant the Department of Justice’s motion to dismiss its forfeiture action against super yacht Equanimity is consistent with Low Taek Jho’s claims of having done no wrong, said his lawyers.
The wanted Penang-born businessman, in a statement through his lawyers, said the move by the DoJ is a result of the Malaysian government’s mishandling of the seized vessel.
“The DoJ, with the consent of Equanimity (Cayman) Ltd, agreed to seek the dismissal of this action. While it is not a perfect outcome, it is reasonable and understandable, given the brazenness of the Mahathir government in illegitimately seizing the yacht from Indonesia, in blatant violation of Indonesian law and with no regard for a US court order designed to ensure all parties are afforded their full rights under the law,” said the statement, referring to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
The lawyers asserted that their client, who is facing charges in relation to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal, is innocent.
“Mr Low recognises that as a result of the DoJ’s motion to dismiss the action against the Equanimity with the consent of Equanimity (Cayman) Ltd, the US court has made no negative findings or rulings against him regarding the US government’s allegations in the forfeiture complaint, and there have been no admissions of any wrongdoing, as is consistent with Mr Low’s position of maintaining his innocence.”
The lawyers said by illegally seizing the Equanimity, Malaysia is solely responsible for eroding the yacht’s value.
“Not surprisingly, the hapless Mahathir regime, in a disastrous PR stunt, failed to sell the vessel at fair market value at auction.”
The luxury vessel will now be sold for no less than US$130 million (RM543 million), after there were no bidders for its initial price of US$250 million.
The Equanimity was seized in Bali in February last year and handed over to Malaysia in August.
It was brought to Port Klang on August 7, before being moved to Langkawi. – January 1, 2019.
Comments
Posted 5 years ago by Mike Mok · Reply
Posted 5 years ago by Tiong Fee Chua · Reply
Posted 5 years ago by Jordan Lee · Reply
Posted 5 years ago by Mohd Azwan Abd Aziz · Reply
Posted 5 years ago by Richard L · Reply