Fugitive businessperson Jho Low continues to maintain his innocence and claims that he will not receive a fair trial in Malaysia, according to his spokesperson.

"Mr Low maintains his innocence and is confident he will be vindicated. Mr Low and his lawyers request that the public keep an open mind until all of the evidence comes to light.

"This has been a case of 'trial-by-media' from the start, and unfortunately, the circus continues.

"He will not submit to any jurisdiction where guilt has been predetermined by politics and self-interest overrules legal process.

"It is abundantly clear that it would be impossible for Mr Low to get a fair trial in Malaysia, where the government has proven time and time again that they have no interest in the rule of law," added Low's spokesperson in a statement this afternoon.

This was in response to the criminal charges for money laundering filed against Low and his father in absentia this morning.

Low's spokesperson said the charges were designed to distract public attention from the case involving the superyacht Equanimity, which the businessperson insists was seized illegally.

Earlier today, 1MDB had brought to court, a bid to urgently sell the superyacht due to physical deterioration.

Low is a central figure in the 1MDB scandal.

The US Department of Justice claimed over US$4.5 billion had been misappropriated from the investment firm, mostly by Low.

Besides the Equanimity, which cost US$250 million, the fugitive businessperson is also alleged to have used the misappropriated funds to buy a private jet, paintings, jewellery, and property.