KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed today that negotiations are ongoing to bring fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low, back to Malaysia to face the music.
Anwar, however, refused to elaborate on the matter.
Anwar also declined to confirm if the negotiations involved China, stating that the discussions were taking place with the countries involved through proper diplomatic channels.
"We never confirmed the country (where the Jho Low was believed to be hiding).
"However, negotiation is taking place to expedite the process (of repatriating Jho Low).
"Discussions (on the matter) are underway with the countries involved through the proper diplomatic channels," he told reporters here today.
Pressed further if such a negotiation involves China, Anwar replied: "No, I can't comment on that."
However, he stressed that the government is committed to prosecuting Jho Low for his alleged crimes as soon as possible.
"Of course. That has always been our position. We have been tough about it from day one (of the present administration)," he said.
Anwar nevertheless admitted that the process of bringing him back is a complicated one, involving countries, intelligence services, Interpol (International Police), and others.
"Having that said, countries involved are cooperating, staying in touch and providing their support," he said.
Bradley Hope, co-author of the book "Billion Dollar Whale" which chronicled the 1MDB saga, revealed last month that the Malaysian government was negotiating with China over Jho Low's extradition.
"This would be huge, fascinating, and mark the end of the main storyline of the scandal, from its founding in 2009 to its collapse amid in 2015 and all the insane partying and spending along the way until 2023," Hope wrote in a website dedicated to tracking down the fugitive businessman behind the multi-billion dollar scandal.