SHAH ALAM - Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has suggested that the recent investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) into him and his family may be motivated by revenge.
During an episode of Sinar Daily’s Fireside Chat, when asked if the probes into his sons, Mirzan and Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir, were acts of retaliation, he responded, "I think there is an element of revenge there."
On Jan 18 and Jan 26, the MACC issued notices to Mirzan and Mokhzani to declare all movable and immovable assets within and outside the country.
Sinar Daily was informed that Mirzan and Mokhzani are not under investigation. The reason they need time is not because of their perceived wealth as previously reported, but because they are required to declare assets of over a period of 43 years.
Dr Mahathir also commented on the situation surrounding former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin, who was charged with failing to comply with MACC asset declaration notice.
The charges include the non-disclosure of a bank account, seven luxury vehicles, 38 companies, and 25 properties.
Dr Mahathir defended Daim, describing him as a ‘sick man’ and expressing dismay over the lack of consideration for his condition.
"Tun Daim is a sick man. You see, have some consideration now. I mean, he cannot even speak. But accuse him of something that as far as I know, he has not done," Dr Mahathir said.
He added that after joining the government, Daim had ceased his private business activities within Malaysia.
"Suddenly, you freeze his property. Now he has problems having to pay his staff," the former Langkawi MP added.
On Jan 29, Daim, 85, faced charges under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act for his failure to declare his assets, which could result in a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment or a fine of RM100,000 if convicted.