Anyone from Malaysia who is proven to have stashed ill-gotten money in Swiss banks will be exposed when the case is brought to court, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today.

National news agency Bernama quoted the premier as saying the government does not object to law enforcement agencies here taking action against those involved in such practices.

"We're not looking for exposure. We want to find cases. It's not political, such matters will be taken to court and tried if there's enough evidence. Then exposure is inevitable," he added.

Mahathir said this when asked about developments in the cooperation between the Swiss government and local authorities in providing information regarding illegal funds from Malaysia which are deposited in banks there.

During his visit to Switzerland last June, President Kaspar Villiger assured Mahathir that his government will cooperate on the matter.

The cooperation was solicited to help local investigators in their probes, especially the one involving Perwaja Steel.

It is believed that a part of the steel giant's funds has been stashed in banks in Switzerland. The company's chief executive officer, Eric Chia, is still at large.

'We are not afraid'

Asked if the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA), which is investigating the case, had obtained the required information, Mahathir said the agency had made contact with Swiss authorities.

However, the premier said he has not been furnished with the latest developments regarding the investigation.

"When I returned [from Switzerland] I asked it (ACA) and was told that it had already made contact. What the findings are I don't know yet and they need not inform me," he said.

Asked if it was true that there are other investigations concerning Malaysians and that the matter was not confined to Perwaja alone, the premier replied: "It's all right, we're not afraid. If there are irregularities in anyone's account that can be exposed, go ahead."