28-4-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) The offspring of Malaysia’s former Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad, have firmly denied being under scrutiny by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), quelling speculation surrounding their alleged involvement in a corruption probe.
Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir and Mr. Mirzan Mahathir issued a joint statement on April 27, asserting that the notices they received from the MACC merely identified them as sons of an individual suspected of violating Section 23 of the MACC Act.
Clarifying their stance, they stated, “We comprehend that the purpose of this process is to ascertain whether our father, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, misused his authority as prime minister to advance our interests.”
They continued, expressing their readiness to refute these allegations and demonstrate the legitimacy of their accumulated wealth, acquired through lawful means and devoid of any illicit activities.
The brothers conveyed gratitude for the extension granted by the MACC on the declaration notice initially served in January under the MACC Act. “Contrary to media reports, we wish to state unequivocally that we are not the focal point of any MACC investigation,” they affirmed.
Required to disclose assets spanning a 43-year period, they requested clarity from the MACC regarding the timeframe crucial to their inquiries. “Given the diminishing accessibility of information over the years, specifying the period of interest would significantly facilitate our compliance,” they reasoned.
Dispelling assumptions regarding their reluctance to disclose due to the magnitude of their wealth, the brothers cited practical challenges in retrieving historical documentation, particularly from financial institutions and public archives.
They underscored the disparity between MACC’s demand for 43 years of records and the standard practice of retaining financial documents for a maximum of seven years, as prescribed by the Inland Revenue Board and the Registrar of Companies.
Despite diligent efforts to procure requisite documents, they acknowledged the impracticality of retrieving certain records that have ceased to exist. Their statement referenced an April 16 assertion by Dr. Mahathir, who disclosed receiving a notice implicating him under the MACC Act, relayed through his son, Mr. Mirzan.
Acknowledging the additional 30-day extension granted by the MACC until April 26 for asset disclosure, the brothers reiterated their commitment to cooperating with the anti-graft body’s directives.
