Malaysia’s former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad stated he and his relations weren’t concerned in any “corrupt practices.”
Final month, Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Fee stated Mahathir was amongst people being investigated over a corruption probe that concerned his sons, in response to Reuters.
Mahathir’s sons — Mirzan and Mokhzani — had been in January ordered to declare their belongings as a part of the investigation.
“During my time, there was corruption. But I myself was not involved in corrupt practices,” Mahathir informed CNBC’s “Squawk Field Asia” on Thursday.
“I made sure that even my family cannot be involved in a government business because I might be accused of nepotism.”
Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad throughout a press convention in Putrajaya, Malaysia on Sept. 3, 2020.
Zahim Mohd | NurPhoto | Getty Photos
The 98-year-old two-time former premier famous he and his sons would “cooperate fully,” with Malaysia’s anti-corruption company.
“So far, they have only asked my sons to make the declaration of assets. The investigation does not involve demanding that I declare my assets,” Mahathir stated, including that he was keen to make a declaration if requested by authorities since he has “nothing to hide.”
Mahathir’s sons have reportedly stated their father was the first goal within the corrupt investigation on whether or not he “abused his position as prime minister.”
Malaysia’s former minister of finance Daim Zainuddin, an ally of Mahathir, has additionally come below investigation currently over monetary dealings, in response to native media.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has vowed to root out corruption however critics have accused him of concentrating on his former political rivals — accusations he has denied.
The nation misplaced a staggering 277 billion ringgit ($58.77 billion) to corruption from 2018 to 2023, in response to a latest authorities report in opposition to corruption. It additionally highlighted the political ramifications of corruption had been “undeniably severe.”
Over 80% of Malaysians expressed a “loss of trust and respect” for politicians and nationwide leaders as a direct consequence of ongoing corruption points, the report acknowledged.
The shortage of significant management, appointment of “dubious characters into key political positions” and lack of political dedication to implement anti-corruption measures or “punish those who engaged in corrupt practices have undermined the trust and effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts thus far,” it added.
