Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has recently faced allegations of corruption, with Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Commission initiating an investigation that involves his sons, Mirzan and Mokhzani. Despite this, Mahathir has vehemently denied any involvement in corrupt practices. In an interview with CNBC’s “Squawk Box Asia,” Mahathir stated that during his time in office, there was indeed corruption, but he personally made sure that he and his family members were not involved in any government business to avoid accusations of nepotism.
Mahathir, who is now 98 years old and a two-time former premier of Malaysia, expressed his willingness to fully cooperate with Malaysia’s anti-corruption agency in the investigation. He mentioned that thus far, only his sons have been asked to declare their assets, with no demands for him to do the same. However, Mahathir reiterated that he is ready to make a declaration if required by authorities, as he believes he has nothing to hide.
Reports indicate that Mahathir’s sons have stated that the primary focus of the corruption investigation is their father. The probe is said to be centered around whether Mahathir “abused his position as prime minister” during his time in office. This raises concerns about the potential impact on Mahathir’s legacy and political career, given his significant contributions to Malaysian politics.
In addition to Mahathir and his family, other prominent figures in Malaysian politics are also under scrutiny for alleged financial improprieties. Former finance minister Daim Zainuddin, a close ally of Mahathir, has reportedly come under investigation for his financial dealings. This indicates a broader crackdown on corruption within the Malaysian political establishment.
While current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to eradicate corruption, critics have accused him of selectively targeting his former political rivals. These accusations have been denied by Anwar, who maintains that the anti-corruption efforts are impartial and aimed at upholding integrity in Malaysian governance.
The allegations of corruption against former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and other political figures in Malaysia underscore the challenges of addressing entrenched corruption within the country’s political system. The outcomes of these investigations will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for Malaysian politics and governance.
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