Malaysia’s former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad said he and his family members were not involved in “corrupt practices”.
According to Reuters, Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Commission said last month that Mahathir was among those under investigation in a corruption investigation involving his sons.
Mahathir’s sons Mirzan and Mokhzani were asked to disclose their assets in January as part of the investigation.
“In my time there was corruption. But I myself was not involved in any corrupt practices,” Mahathir told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Asia” on Thursday.
“I made sure that not even my family could be involved in government affairs, lest I be accused of nepotism.”
Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad during a press conference in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on September 3, 2020.
Zahim Mohd | NurPhoto | Getty Images
The 98-year-old two-time former prime minister said he and his sons would “fully cooperate” with Malaysia’s anti-corruption agency.
“So far they have only asked my sons to submit an asset declaration. The investigation does not include a demand that I submit my asset declaration,” Mahathir said, adding that he was ready to make a declaration if asked by authorities as he had “nothing to hide.”
Mahathir’s sons reportedly said their father was the main target of the corrupt investigation into whether he had “abused his office as prime minister”.
According to local media, former Malaysian finance minister Daim Zainuddin, an ally of Mahathir, was also recently investigated for financial dealings.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has vowed to stamp out corruption, but critics accused him of targeting his former political rivals – allegations he has denied.
According to a recent government anti-corruption report, the country lost a staggering 277 billion ringgit ($58.77 billion) to corruption between 2018 and 2023. It also stressed that the political impact of corruption was “undeniably serious.”
Over 80% of Malaysians expressed a “loss of trust and respect” in politicians and national leaders as a direct result of ongoing corruption problems, the report said.
The lack of serious leadership, the appointment of “dubious figures to key political positions” and the lack of political commitment to enforcing anti-corruption measures or punishing those who have engaged in corrupt practices have so far undermined the confidence and effectiveness of efforts Undermining the fight against corruption. ” it added.
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2024-05-23 06:23:11
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