Johari Abdul Ghani, said this after a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report said Low, widely known as Jho Low, was seeking clemency from US president Donald Trump.

The 1MDB task force led by Johari was set up to recover funds and assets linked to the state fund worldwide.

He said Low’s request should be denied and the US should instead assist Malaysia in locating him for further investigations.

“As far as I’m concerned, I’m against the pardon,” Johari, who is also trade minister, said in a text message when asked about the WSJ report.

Johari added he was unaware of any talks between Low and Malaysia to return assets.

Low faces multiple charges including corruption and money laundering in the US and Malaysia for the key role he allegedly played in the misappropriation of at least US$4.5 billion from 1MDB.

He has consistently denied wrongdoing and his whereabouts are unknown.

Low recently filed a request for a pardon that if granted, would remove US criminal charges against him, The WSJ reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

A White House official said Low’s request was not currently on the White House’s radar, the report said.

The US justice department website lists a pending request for a “pardon after completion of sentence” under Taek Jho Low that was filed this year.

The WSJ reported that Malaysia had temporarily lifted an Interpol red notice against Low that would make him subject to arrest almost anywhere in the world to facilitate the return of significant assets to the country.

In 2019, the US struck a deal to recoup about US$1 billion from Low, with the fugitive agreeing to give up a private jet and high-end real estate in Beverly Hills, New York and London among other assets.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in 2023 the government was negotiating with other countries to speed up Low’s return, though he declined to name the nations involved.

Authorities previously said Low was believed to be in China, though Beijing has denied it.