Shafee claims fugitive Jho Low hiding in Myanmar, protected by generals

Senior lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah claimed he believes fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho is currently hiding in conflict-ridden Myanmar.

(NST) – Shafee, the lead counsel for incarcerated former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, made the claim during a forum titled ‘Media Townhall: Getting the Facts Right—The Untold Stories of 1MDB & Other Cases” held today.

He said his conclusion was based on his cross-examination with 1Malaysia Development Bhd’s (1MDB) former general counsel Jasmine Loo Ai Swan, who was once considered one of Low’s proxies.

Loo, who went rogue in 2018 before surrendering to authorities last year, served as a key witness in Najib’s corruption trial involving the misappropriation of billions in 1MDB funds.

“From the testimony which I grilled Loo, I think he (Low) is in Myanmar (and) protected by the generals.

“This is because Low was able to get a passport for Loo and get her to enter Myanmar without the Malaysian passport.

“Loo was travelling on a Myanmar passport, and she confirmed it was Low (who) arranged for this passport.

“Currently, Myanmar is like a cowboy country. You can do wonderful things there,” he said when answering questions from the audience who attended the function.

Loo when testifying in the trial said she entered Myanmar in 2019 and remained there for four years, all the while negotiating with the Malaysian authorities for her safe return to the country in 2021.

However, she said it was not an easy feat as Myanmar soldiers apprehended her upon her arrival, a situation that she claimed was imposed upon her.

The former lawyer said she had her passport with her, but it was not stamped, as she used another travel document arranged by Low to show that she was a local.