This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on May 31, 2019 - June 6, 2019

KUALA LUMPUR: Low Taek Jho, or Jho Low, has lashed out at the government’s decision to seize his parents’ bungalow in Penang, pointing out that the house predates the existence of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), to which he is now sought in connection with the illicit transfer of billions of dollars from the company.

“There is no question that the purchase and building of this family home predated the very existence of 1MDB by more than a decade. This point is irrefutable and is supported by a wealth of evidence, including the certificate of occupation dated July 13, 2000,” Low, whose whereabouts are currently unknown, said of the property at 69, Jalan Tanjung Bungah Park.

He called the seizure of the property ludicrous, and accused the Malaysian government of using false evidence and pretence to justify the seizure because of a “personal vendetta” against him.

Low disseminated an open letter to the media through his public relations firm after the High Court ruled yesterday that parties claiming to have interest in any of the RM31 million worth of 1MDB-related assets seized by the government have until Aug 30 to challenge the forfeiture of the assets.

The bungalow, owned by Low’s mother Goh Gaik Ewe, was seized alongside other assets between March 11 and May 7 this year as part of a RM31 million forfeiture action by the government under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act, on the grounds the assets were allegedly acquired using funds siphoned from 1MDB.

Other assets seized include monies amounting to RM18 million in several bank accounts, RM537,000 cash in 13 currencies, 27 Nissan Urvan vehicles, 263 handbags, 14 watches and 27 pairs of shoes.