As the Auditor-General investigates 1Malaysia Development Berhad, businessman Low Taek Jho is denying allegations of money laundering and fraud linking him to the troubled state investor.

In an exclusive with the South China Morning Post, Low said: “I feel I’m a victim of the cross-fire of Malaysian politics, which is getting more polarised. I’m a target.”

The businessman, also known as Jho Low, told the Post that business decisions by 1MDB are ultimately decided and approved in accordance to their corporate governance framework, which is the management, board and shareholder.

“So why politicise and try to blame it all on me when I have no decision-making authority?”

"If the Malaysian authorities ask me to assist with their investigations, I’m happy to cooperate. I’ve nothing to hide. I believe in the rule of law. As of today, I’m not under investigation. I’ve never done anything illegal,” he said.

He also told the Post that he was not the mastermind of 1MDB.

“I’m not hired by 1MDB and I don’t get paid any fees by 1MDB. If someone in 1MDB asked me for my views informally, I will give my views like any other Malaysian,” he said.

Despite his denial today, criticism has been mounting over the wholly owned Finance Ministry investment vehicle, established in 2009, which has chalked up debts of up to RM42 billion.

Scrutiny of the company grew more intense following whistleblower site Sarawak Report's exposés last week.

It published leaked email correspondence between the company and PetroSaudi International in which Low was part of. 

It also alleged that PetroSaudi was used as a front where Good Star, a company controlled by Low, received US$160 million (RM589 million).

The exposés piled pressure on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and prompted opposition politicians, former Umno leaders and anti-graft bodies to demand a thorough investigation into 1MDB.

Last Wednesday, Najib ordered the Auditor-General to "independently verify 1MDB's accounts", with the findings to be passed to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Tan Sri Ambrin Buang told the press that the national auditor's inspection of 1MDB's account had started, but did not set a time frame to complete the audit. – March 12, 2015.