Mukhriz: Hard to list assets as no thumb drives in 1981

KUALA LUMPUR: It is difficult for the family members of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to list their assets since 1981, as requested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), because record-keeping technology was more primitive back then.

Dr Mahathir’s son, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir was quoted as saying this in an Utusan Malaysia report published yesterday.

“It’s not easy to find files from 1981, but they are still trying. Even if I were to ask the government whether they still have files from 10 years ago, the answer would be ‘no’.

“Usually, they keep files for only seven years. At that time, there were no thumb drives. Instead, there were microfiches, and it was unlike now where you can easily do a Google search.”

Two other sons of Dr Mahathir, Mirzan and Tan Sri Mokhzani, were called by MACC to assist investigations into their father’s assets.

On Jan 18, the MACC instructed Mirzan to declare his movable and immovable assets, whether inside or outside the country, within 30 days. Mokhzani is being investigated under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

Mukhriz said his two brothers were ready to follow instructions and the law, although they feel the case was political.

“We do feel there are political elements. We have laws. When subjected to any legal action, we respond with the law as well.”

Mukhriz added that Dr Mahathir was reading newspapers daily to keep abreast of current issues despite not being fully healthy after 52 days of treatment at the National Heart Institute.

“When accusations are made against Tun (Dr Mahathir), saying he’s very wealthy, enriching his children, don’t just talk.

“There must be evidence because now Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is the prime minister, not just an opposition figure or an ordinary politician.

“I understand this because I have been a menteri besar. When you are a menteri besar, whatever you say is considered the official stance of the state government.

“A state government officer reminded me of this at the first press conference after taking the oath as menteri besar. The officer came and whispered to me, ‘Datuk Seri, you no longer have personal opinions’.

“Imagine being a prime minister? He no longer has personal opinions because what he says will become the government’s ‘fatwa’.

“So, if there’s no basis, don’t say it. Don’t be too political.”