THE Malaysian reaction to the deal struck between Low Taek Jho and the United States’ Department of Justice (DoJ) varies, but the general feeling is one of total frustration.

Although the settlement may seem shocking and unfair, I want to argue that there is a way to handle this, a way that will benefit Malaysia economically and politically – if we play our cards right. 

The settlement entailed Low aiding in the recovering almost US$1 billion (RM4.1 billion) worth of assets in exchange for the US dropping several charges against him. The document that announced the deal stated that the US Attorney’s office in the Central District of California and the entire US DoJ Criminal Division is bound by this settlement of “civil, criminal and administrative asset forfeiture actions or proceedings” relating to allegations made against Low. 

Still, representatives of Low as well as the US government emphasised that the settlement does not include an admission of guilt or wrongdoing by Low or his family.

The news of the deal came along with several other revelations regarding Low’s whereabouts and international status. 

The representatives of the former financier have claimed that he has been offered asylum in a certain country, stating “We understand that Mr Low was offered asylum in August 2019 by a country that acts in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and European Convention on Human Rights”. 

Asylum means that Low and his family can claim international protection in a similar way to refugees seeking protection from war or violence. Essentially, Low is now only a fugitive in his home country of Malaysia and a handful of others. He is free, and protected by the Arab world, Europe and soon, the United States. 

So, what is the smartest way to react to these revelations that make the most wanted man in Malaysia seemingly untouchable?

So far, we have had public statements from both Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohammad and Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador. 

The IGP released a statement claiming: “I will not stop efforts in tracking down and bringing back this criminal. If he is not a criminal or has been framed, there is no need to panic. Please, come home.”
 
It’s one thing to make grand statements, but practically, bringing Low back seems unfeasible. Practically, he is able to legally roam free and furthermore, since he has been granted asylum, forcing extradition would be considered a breach of Malaysia’s legal obligations in accordance to international human rights conventions. The last thing Malaysia needs is to be seen as violating human rights.

It seems Dr Mahathir understands this, and rather than harping on bringing Low back, he has decided to switch gears and practically demand that the US hand over the US$700 million received form Low from the settlement. 

As frustrating and unjust as many Malaysians may consider it, I believe Dr Mahathir has got it right for once. 

We should be using this deal to our advantage, collecting the funds that rightfully belongs to Malaysia, and focusing on regaining all the assets lost from the 1MDB scandal rather than continue on a Low witch hunt, which, at this point, seems pointless. – November 1, 2019.

* Jasmine Cho reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.