IN a recent social media post, former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad took a snide jab at Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (PMX), questioning the efficacy of the government’s measures in combating corruption.
The former Langkawi MP congratulated Anwar for his proclaimed success in reducing corruption but the underlying tone suggested skepticism and criticism.
“I would like to congratulate the PMX for successfully reducing corruption in Malaysia. The first being by dropping all 47 cases against the deputy prime minister in court. Yes, with this, we have reduced corruption by 47 cases.”
MENGURANGKAN RASUAH
1. PMX berkata ia akan lawan rasuah tanpa mengambil kira siapa yang terlibat. Tun Tun juga tidak akan dikecuali.
2. Saya ucap tahniah kepada PMX kerana ia sudah berjaya mengurangkan rasuah di Malaysia.
3. Yang pertama rasuah dikurangkan dengan menghenti…
— Dr Mahathir Mohamad (@chedetofficial) January 26, 2024
Dr Mahathir also raised concerns about the handling of allegations against Anwar, particularly those made by former Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) deputy governor Datuk Abdul Murad Khalid, stating that they were seemingly brushed aside without further investigation.
“Corruption was further reduced when the statutory declaration from Abdul Murad, stating that Anwar was involved in corruption amounting to RM3 bil, did not proceed with any further action. This saved RM3 bil.
“Several opposition party representatives declared their support for Anwar, as allegations of support were made to obtain government funds. This was not considered corruption. Once again, corruption was reduced,” added the nonagenarian.
Highlighting instances where corruption allegations were not pursued, Dr Mahathir alluded to opposition party representatives who declared support for Anwar, suggesting that such support, alleged to secure government funds was not considered corruption.
He also pointed to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief’s ownership of shares, stating that it was deemed non-corrupt due to a familial connection.
Drawing attention to the Pandora Papers, the former premier contended that numerous names remained un-investigated, potentially contributing to the perceived decrease in corruption cases.
“This is the success of the PMX government. Yet, the PMX government is investigating Tuns for possessing wealth or being falsely accused of obtaining wealth without evidence.
“They, their children, and their spouses will be found guilty for failing to declare all their assets from 42 years ago within 30 days.”
Furthermore, he mockingly suggested that keeping receipts for nasi lemak and coffee purchases over the last four decades could have spared them legal trouble.
“They failed because they could not produce receipts for the purchase of nasi lemak and coffee over the past 42 years. All Malaysians have valid proof when they eat nasi lemak.
“Why didn’t all the Tuns keep their receipts for their expenses over (just) the last 42 years? Why, after being given 30 days, did they not comply with the notice from the MACC?” he further added.
“As a government that upholds the rule of law, they (Tuns) can be imprisoned for up to five years and be fined RM100,000. Of course, any evidence of wrongdoing isn’t important. (Just) the PMX’s accusations suffice. That’s how responsible the MACC is.
“When the Tuns all go to prison, then the PMX administration would have succeeded in their fight against corruption.” – Jan 26, 2023
