Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said he and his family members were not involved in any “corrupt acts”.
Last month, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission said Mahathir was among individuals being investigated in a corruption probe involving his sons. according to Reuters.
Mahathir’s sons – Mirzan and Mokhzani – were ordered in January to declare their assets as part of the investigation.
“During my time, there was corruption. But I was not personally involved in corrupt practices,” Mahathir told CNBC.Squawk Box Asia” on Thursday.
“I guarantee that even my family cannot participate in government business because I can be accused of nepotism.”
Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad at a press conference in Putrajaya, Malaysia on September 3, 2020.
Zahim Mohd | NurPhoto | beautiful images
The 98-year-old former two-term prime minister noted that he and his sons would “fully cooperate” with Malaysia’s anti-corruption agency.
“So far, they have only asked my sons to declare their assets. The investigation has nothing to do with asking me to declare my assets,” Mahathir said, adding that he is willing to declare if given permission by the government. right to ask because he had “nothing to hide.”
Mahathir’s sons have according to the said report their father is a key target in a corruption investigation into whether he “abused his position as prime minister.”
Former Malaysian Finance Minister Daim ZainuddinAccording to local media, an ally of Mahathir was also recently investigated for financial transactions.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim vowed to root out corruption But the critics has accused him of targeting his former political opponents – allegations he has denied.
According to a recent report, the country lost a staggering 277 billion ringgit ($58.77 billion) to corruption between 2018 and 2023. Government report on anti-corruption. It also emphasized the political ramifications of corruption as “undeniably serious”.
More than 80% of Malaysians expressed a “loss of trust and respect” for politicians and national leaders as a direct result of ongoing corruption issues, the report said.
The lack of serious leadership, the appointment of “dubious figures to key political positions” and the lack of political commitment to implement anti-corruption measures or “punish those who engage in corrupt practices”. corruption has undermined the confidence and effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts to date,” it added.
