KUALA LUMPUR – Two-time former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad claimed he made sure his family members were not involved with government business during his time leading the nation to avoid accusations of nepotism.
He also vehemently denied involvement in corrupt practices even though he acknowledged that “there was corruption” when he helmed the country.
“During my time, there was corruption but I myself was not involved in corrupt practices. I made sure that even my family could not be involved in government businesses, because I might be accused of nepotism,” he told CNBC in a new interview.
Last month, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed Dr Mahathir was being investigated over the declaration of assets.
MACC also ordered Dr Mahathir’s eldest two sons, Mirzan and Tan Sri Mokhzani, to declare their assets.
When asked, Dr Mahathir told CNBC that he welcomed MACC’s request for him to declare his assets as he “has nothing to hide”, but it was no easy feat for his sons to declare decades’ worth of assets.
“We have to (declare our assets) because the law says when the MACC demands you make a statement, you have to (do so), otherwise you can be charged or jailed.
“My sons and (I) would cooperate fully. So far, they (MACC) only asked my sons to make the declaration of assets from 1981 until now. It is not easy to trace assets of over 40 years, but they have not asked me to declare my assets.”
MACC has given Mirzan and Mokhzani several extensions to comply with the declaration notice. They were first served with the notice to declare their assets in January.
Currently, the MACC is reviewing several requests submitted by Mirzan over the declaration notice after his deadline ended on May 15, following three extensions. Mokhzani’s deadline ends on May 25.
Mokhzani and Mirzan’s brother, Pejuang president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, alleged that Dr Mahathir was the real target of MACC’s probe.
Dr Mahathir was prime minister from 1981 to 2003 under the Barisan Nasional government, and for a second time from 2018 to 2020 under the Pakatan Harapan banner. – May 23, 2024