Tun M 'backs' aggressive anti-corruption drive targeting 'Tuns'
SHAH ALAM - In a pointed critique, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has ignited controversy by advocating for aggressive anti-corruption measures targeting Malaysia's elite "Tun" title holders.
This comes on the heels of investigations into former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for alleged money laundering and corruption.
The former Langkawi MP declared his unequivocal support for investigating all "Tuns" and seizing their assets if they failed to explain their wealth.
He further suggested bypassing evidence requirements, with mere suspicion sufficing for detention.
"I agree completely that Tuns should be investigated. If they cannot explain where or how they got the money, their property should be seized.
"It is not necessary to obtain documentary evidence of their misdeeds. Suspicions alone should be enough.
"Tuns should not only be investigated. They should also be remanded until they reveal the source of their money.
"If they don’t, it must be because they are hiding," he said in a social media posting today.
MACC recently impounded Ilham Tower, a valuable building allegedly owned by Daim, reportedly due to his non-compliance with their inquiry into his financial holdings.
The investigation stemmed from a late-1990s corporate transaction worth billions of dollars and involved suspicions of money laundering.
Dr Mahathir's online commentary, however, went beyond Daim's case.
He urged for an unrelenting anti-corruption crusade, even suggesting leniency for politically motivated accusations at the Attorney-General's (AG) discretion.
Notably, this echoed the recent withdrawal of corruption charges against Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, prompting political influence speculation.
"If the AG is of the opinion that the accusations are due to politics, it is the right of the AG not to continue prosecution.
"Passports should be returned. This is the right of the AG. The courts must not question the decision of the AG," he added.
Dr Mahathir also made reference to Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, being sentenced to whipping for a corruption offence.
"Malaysia truly follows the rule of law. Even a first offender must accept the full force of the rule of law.
"If whipping is mandatory, then the offender must be whipped.
"In Malaysia, the law is supreme. We must all abide by it," he said.
