Malaysia’s former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad recently spoke out to deny any involvement in corrupt practices, following an investigation by the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission. He stated that during his time in office, there was corruption, but he made sure that neither he nor his family members were involved in any corrupt activities to avoid accusations of nepotism.
Mahathir emphasized that he and his sons, Mirzan and Mokhzani, would fully cooperate with Malaysia’s anti-corruption agency. While his sons were ordered to declare their assets as part of the investigation, Mahathir himself has not been asked to do so. However, he expressed his willingness to make a declaration if required, as he has nothing to hide.
Reports suggest that Mahathir’s sons have claimed their father is the primary target in the corruption investigation, particularly regarding allegations of abusing his position as prime minister. This has raised concerns about potential political motives behind the investigation, given Mahathir’s past as a prominent political figure in the country.
Aside from Mahathir and his family, Malaysia’s former finance minister Daim Zainuddin, an ally of Mahathir, is also under investigation for financial dealings. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who has pledged to eradicate corruption, has faced criticism for supposedly targeting his political rivals through these investigations, which he has vehemently denied.
The corruption allegations against Malaysia’s former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad raise significant questions about accountability and transparency in the country’s political landscape. While Mahathir has denied any involvement in corrupt practices and pledged cooperation with the authorities, the broader context of these investigations and the potential motives behind them warrant close scrutiny. As Malaysia continues its efforts to combat corruption, maintaining a balance between accountability and fairness in the legal process will be crucial to upholding the rule of law.