FORMER premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s son Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir expressed the difficulty in gathering details of assets dating back to 1981 as requested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Mukhriz told Utusan Malaysia that the technology available at the time did not facilitate such record-keeping.
“It is not an easy thing to find all the files since 1981, but they are still trying. Even if I were to ask the present government whether they still have files from 10 years ago, the answer would be no.
“Usually, they only keep files for seven years. At that time, there were no thumb drives. Instead, there was microfiche, and it was unlike now where you can easily do a Google search,” the Malay daily quoted Mukhriz as saying.
In February, Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir and Mirzan Mahathir were in the process of compiling 43 years’ worth of information to declare their assets to the MACC. They also accused the MACC of targeting their father in the investigation. The brothers were granted a 30-day extension to declare their assets in February.
Meanwhile on March 27, MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki stated that he would investigate claims made by Dr Mahathir’s two elder sons that they were not the focus of the graft probe.
Mukhriz noted that his brothers would comply with the law despite sensing political motivations behind the probe.
“We believe there are some political elements. But we have laws. When there is legal action, we will respond accordingly.” – April 3, 2024
