Fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, alleged mastermind of the 1MDB embezzlement scandal, is reported to be among roughly 250 individuals considered by US President Donald Trump for a pardon tied to the US 250th Independence Day celebrations on July 4, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. Jho Low formally requested a pardon from Trump in May 2026, but US Department of Justice records show the application remains pending [1, 2, 3].
A White House official has disputed reports that Jho Low is on the pardon list, claiming these individuals are not on the pardon team's radar [1]. Trump’s advisers remain divided about proceeding with the mass pardon plan; no decision was expected before the July 4 celebrations [3].
Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim dismissed the US pardon issue as irrelevant to Malaysia. He stated Malaysia would not entertain any pardon application involving Jho Low and emphasized that the country will follow its own legal process regardless of any US pardon decision. Anwar said, "Malaysia's stance is clear: we follow the legal path. That (pardon) is a matter for the US decision, that is their business, but our stance will not be influenced, disturbed or threatened by that country's decision" [1, 4]. He added, "That is a decision for the US" [2].
Jho Low faces 15 criminal charges in Malaysia related to money laundering and criminal breach of trust connected to the 1MDB scandal [1]. In July 2022, his representatives offered RM1.5 billion to the Malaysian government as a settlement to drop the charges, but the offer was refused [1]. The 1MDB scandal resulted in the conviction and imprisonment of former Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak [1, 3].
Jho Low is accused of embezzling at least US$4.5 billion from 1MDB funds and using the stolen money to finance a lavish lifestyle including luxury properties, a superyacht, and Hollywood connections [1, 2, 3]. In 2024, he reached a settlement with the US Department of Justice to return US$100 million in a civil forfeiture suit [3].
Jho Low remains at large and has been reportedly seen in Macau, Hong Kong, and mainland China [1].
In a related note, Anwar addressed concerns over NFCC advisor Tan Sri Azam Baki's membership, stating that "his appointment is valid until 2027, and the power to cancel it can only be done by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong" [4].
The US mass pardon list centered on the 250th Independence Day continues to be debated within the Trump administration, with no final decision made as of early July 2026 [3].
