Why is Jho Low’s absence hindering Najib’s defence strategy?

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Jho Low's Absence Hinders Najib's Defence by Removing Key Defence Witnesses

The absence of fugitive financier Low Taek Jho, commonly known as Jho Low, is significantly impeding Datuk Seri Najib Razak's defence strategy in his ongoing corruption trials. As Najib's lawyer, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, has articulated, Low and his alleged accomplices are crucial witnesses that Najib could have utilised through cross-examination to substantiate his defence. The inability to present these individuals in court makes it "cumbersome" to prove Najib's case, as the defence's narrative relies heavily on Low's alleged influence and actions.
Key Defence Witnesses Remain Unavailable

Muhammad Shafee has identified Jho Low as the "number one central culprit" who, according to the defence, organised the intricacies of the financial dealings involving SRC International and 1MDB. The defence's argument posits that Najib, in his capacity as prime minister, was led to believe that Low possessed the influence to leverage relationships with countries such as Saudi Arabia, Emirates, and China. The unavailability of Low, along with alleged accomplices Jasmine Loo, Terrence Geh, Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil, and Casey Tang, deprives Najib of the opportunity to present testimony that could support these claims through direct examination or cross-examination.
Disruption of Defence Narrative and Evidence Presentation

The defence strategy hinges on portraying Najib as someone who was misled by Low's purported influence and organisational capabilities. Without Low and his associates available to testify, the defence faces a substantial challenge in substantiating this narrative. Muhammad Shafee expressed frustration, stating that these absent individuals are precisely the witnesses Najib could have used to "prove my client case." This situation has made the process of constructing and presenting Najib's defence exceptionally difficult and "cumbersome."
Questions Raised About Law Enforcement Efforts

Muhammad Shafee has also voiced criticism regarding the efforts of Malaysian authorities, including the Inspector-General of Police, in locating Low and his alleged accomplices. He questioned the perceived lack of aggressive pursuit and the absence of public announcements detailing Low's whereabouts or the countries potentially harbouring him. Furthermore, Muhammad Shafee pointed out the apparent lack of extradition requests, suggesting that more could be done to bring these individuals before the court to aid in the defence's case.

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Why is Jho Low’s absence hindering Najib’s defence strategy?

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