AS Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim makes a four-day working visit to China from Nov 4 to 7 (tomorrow), it’s time for some real talk. No, it’s not about trade figures, diplomatic niceties or “strengthening ties.”
Anwar has a golden opportunity to show some real resolve: pressure Beijing to bring back Jho Low, the elusive mastermind of the 1MDB (1Malaysia Development Bhd) scandal who’s apparently hiding in Macau or mainland China.
Surely, PMX wouldn’t want to pass up a chance to score some serious political points with the rakyat, right?
Just days ago, Malaysians witnessed incarcerated former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak offering a rare “apology” for the colossal mess that was 1MDB.
However, in classic Najib style, he still insisted he was clueless about where the billions disappeared to, subtly pointing the finger at Jho Low, the flamboyant billionaire who is also a best buddy of the ex-Pekan MP’s stepson.
Najib’s apology blamed everyone but himself. It also begged an urgent question: if Jho Low is indeed the one pulling the strings in the 1MDB fiasco, shouldn’t the Madani administration be more aggressive in bringing him back?
Be careful what you wish for
Let’s not forget that Pakatan Harapan (PH) was at the forefront of calling for Jho Low’s return when they were in the opposition, branding him a fugitive financier who must answer to the people for his alleged involvement.
Jho Low’s return isn’t just about symbolic justice; it’s a necessity to finally close one of Malaysia’s darkest chapters and, perhaps, hear the full tale.
If he were to “sing like a canary,” he could reveal explosive details, potentially dragging Najib even deeper into the scandal and implicating others.
But there’s a twist. Najib’s own political party, UMNO is now much friendlier with the current administration with some even speculating that his apology could be a calculated move in the bid for royal clemency.
With Anwar’s unity government hinging on UMNO’s support, it’s hard to ignore the optics if Anwar simply pays lip service to Jho Low’s extradition. Detractors could easily say that PMX is slowing down the hunt for Jho Low to appease UMNO loyalists.
Yet, Anwar should also remember that he once vowed to end this scandal and bring Jho Low to justice. Malaysians certainly want PMX to have the guts to press the Chinese authorities for Jho Low’s return.
After all, Anwar has gone to great lengths to assure Malaysians of his commitment to transparency and accountability.
He cannot be seen as going soft now on Jho Low for the sake of political harmony with UMNO, the very party he once was a top leader of, sacked and fought vehemently against.
Anwar should not let this become a missed opportunity to demonstrate his resolve for justice and reform. He should seize the moment to bring Jho Low home. Otherwise, one can’t blame the rakyat for having doubts over just whose interests Anwar serves. – Nov 6, 2024
Main image credit: Anwar Ibrahim/Facebook
