He also slammed the recent move to seize their family home in Penang, saying this demonstrates the government’s “persistent strategy of harassment and political persecution against their perceived opponents by any means necessary”.

“Once again, the Mahathir regime has ignored the rule of law, and in a clear abuse of power is seeking to exploit the attorney-general’s office and police force to attack opponents and do the Mahathir regime’s personal bidding.

“This is yet another example of the Mahathir regime’s trial by media and is further evidence that it is simply not possible to receive a fair trial in Malaysia,” his spokesman said in a statement issued through his legal team today.

Last Saturday, police confirmed that anti-money laundering officers had seized a three-storey bungalow in Tanjung Bungah Park, Penang, on a notice issued by the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

Yesterday, The Edge Markets reported that the government has filed a civil forfeiture action against the businessman’s father, Larry Low, to freeze seven of his bank accounts said to be worth RM48 million.

It quoted sources as saying that the money was purportedly transferred from foreign companies by Low, better known as Jho Low.

Authorities in Malaysia are seeking to arrest Jho Low to aid in investigations into allegations of money laundering involving billions of ringgit in 1MDB transactions.

His parents have also been named as persons of interest in connection with the probe.