THE Kuala Lumpur High Court today allowed the seizure of RM48.9 million in the bank accounts of Larry Low Hock Peng, the father of Low Taek Jho. 

Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan ruled in favour of Deputy Public Prosecutor Aaron Chelliah after no third party appeared to stake a claim on the assets.

Larry was absent from the open court proceedings this morning.

Larry is believed to be laying low overseas. Police are also seeking his son, financier Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, for questioning in connection with the 1Malaysia Development Bhd financial scandal.

The government filed a suit in March 29 to seize at least RM48.9 million in Larry’s seven bank accounts, on suspicions the cash is linked to money laundering activities. 

Prosecutors told the court in April they were unable to serve Larry his papers and his whereabouts were unknown.

Taek Jho has accused the government led by Dr Mahathir Mohamad of harassment and ”political persecution” against the Low family. 

“Once again, the Mahathir regime has ignored the rule of law, and in a clear abuse of power is seeking to exploit the AG’s office and police force to attack opponents and do Mahathir regime’s personal bidding,” Taek Jho’s spokesman said in a statement on March 30. 

The government filed the civil assets forfeiture action under Section 56(2) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

The application sought to confiscate RM41.6 million in four RHB Bank accounts in Kuala Lumpur and some RM7.4 million in three Maybank accounts in Penang. 

The notice of seizure dated January 17, 2019, was addressed to Taek Jho’s mother, Goh Gaik Ewe, 66. 

The 38-year-old Taek Jho is accused of  masterminding a scheme to relieve the state-backed1MDB of billions of dollars.

In August last year, Larry, a well-known Penang businessman, and his son were charged in absentia with offences linked to the 1MDB financial scandal. 

Taek Jho has maintained his innocence.

His mother, Goh, was also linked to the case by gifts of expensive jewellery from her son allegedly paid for with money stolen from 1MDB. 

She reached settlement with the US Department of Justice on the case last month without admission of wrongdoing.

The Low’s last known address is 69, Tanjung Bungah Park, Penang. – July 19, 2019.