Graft probe: Dr M says hands are clean, nothing to hide

 

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said while there was corruption during his tenure in office, his hands, however, are clean.

The 98-year-old politician told CNBC that he even made sure his family members are not involved in government-related businesses in order not to be accused of nepotism.

Mahathir said those who have accused him of corruption are unable to prove that he had pocketed “even a single cent”.

Asked if he and his sons would cooperate with MACC and declare their assets, Mahathir replied: “Yes, we have to. Because the law says that when MACC demands that you make a statement (declaration), you have to make a statement (declaration) of your assets.

“Otherwise, you can be charged or even be jailed,” he added.

However, Mahathir said MACC has not requested him to declare his assets, only his sons, Mokhzani and Mirzan.

Assets spanning four decades

On the same note, the former premier said it is a formidable task to declare assets spanning over four decades.

“But they have not asked me to declare my assets. They (MACC) said they are investigating (me) but the investigation does not involve demanding that I declare my assets,” he added.

On whether he would declare his assets if requested to do so, he replied: “Yes, they (MACC) are welcome (to ask) because I have nothing to hide.”

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki

Last month, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki confirmed that Mahathir is being investigated for alleged corruption.

“I don’t intend to go into more details about the case.

“Let MACC continue with the investigation first until I think of a suitable time for us to announce the findings of the investigation into the case,” he said.

Prior to that, the commission had served a notice to his sons to declare their assets within the period stipulated in the notice, under Section 36 of the MACC Act 2009. - Mkini