Malaysia’s Former Prime Minister Denies Involvement in Corruption Probe

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad recently stated that he and his family members were not engaged in any corrupt practices. This comes after the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission announced that Mahathir was under investigation in connection with a corruption probe involving his sons, Mirzan and Mokhzani. The commission had ordered Mahathir’s sons to declare their assets as part of the ongoing investigation.

In an interview with CNBC’s “Squawk Box Asia,” Mahathir emphasized that although there was corruption during his tenure, he was not personally involved in any corrupt activities. He highlighted that he took measures to ensure that even his family members could not participate in government business to avoid accusations of nepotism. Mahathir, at 98 years old, expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with the anti-corruption agency and stated that he has nothing to hide.

Mahathir’s sons, Mirzan and Mokhzani, have publicly stated that their father is the main focus of the corruption investigation. They have been cooperative with the authorities and have complied with the requests to declare their assets. Despite the allegations, Mahathir’s sons have continued to support their father and maintain his innocence in the matter.

Broader Investigation and Allegations

Apart from Mahathir and his family, former Minister of Finance Daim Zainuddin, who is an ally of Mahathir, is also facing scrutiny over financial dealings. This has raised concerns about the extent of corruption within the Malaysian government. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has promised to address corruption issues, but critics have accused him of targeting his political adversaries. Anwar has denied these allegations and maintained that the investigations are being conducted impartially.

The corruption probe involving Mahathir Mohamad and his family members has shed light on the challenges of addressing corruption in Malaysia. While Mahathir has denied any involvement in corrupt practices, the investigation continues to unfold, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the country’s governance. Only time will reveal the true extent of corruption and the effectiveness of the government’s efforts to combat it.