KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 23): A deputy minister has questioned the action of former defence minister Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Tun Hussein to look for fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low, in China to assist the investigations into 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

Speaking outside the Dewan Rakyat today, deputy minister of primary industries Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin said he does not see the necessity of Hishamuddin's actions, considering the relationship between the two governments is well and fine.

"I am surprised. It should have been raised earlier. But I believe the government, through the relevant ministry, will definitely study the rationale behind [Hishamuddin's] action," said Shamsul.

Shamsul also pointed out that several Umno leaders have been charged over graft and mismanagement, including those involving 1MDB funds.

"We do not want any perception that these actions have the intention of allowing the doers to escape from errors done during the previous administration," he added.

He commented that there is no problem if Hishamuddin's action is specifically intended to help the Malaysian government track down Jho Low, but said it should be coordinated with the government's initiatives.

On Monday, Hishamuddin, who is also a former Umno vice president, told reporters that he had, in his personal capacity, initiated actions to communicate with the Chinese leadership to track down Jho Low and bring him back to Malaysia.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad reportedly said on Oct 12 that he suspected internal sabotage in Malaysian efforts to get to Jho Low, considering his ability to evade arrest in Hong Kong.

Jho Low is the central figure who allegedly facilitated the transfer of billions of dollars out of state-owned fund 1MDB. He is believed to be residing in China, which has no extradition treaty with Malaysia.

Last month, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who was previously Umno president, has been charged in the Malaysian court for misappropriation of over RM2 billion of 1MDB-linked funds.