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I returned 24 cars and other gifts, says Dr M
Published:  Sep 22, 2016 6:30 PM
Updated: Sep 23, 2016 3:38 AM

Dr Mahathir Mohamad has penned a 28-point argument to differentiate himself from Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, but conceded that some of his actions did result in losses for the government.

However, he said it was not a result of embezzling public coffers but rather due to unprofitable business decisions.

Claiming he does not need riches, the former premier also revealed how he returned gifts presented to him following his retirement, including 24 cars.

Apart from this, he also rejected the awarding of a plot of land in Putrajaya.

“I was of the opinion that the salaries I drew as a minister, deputy prime minister and prime minister were sufficient. I did not have to spend because everything - house, electricity, jet and travels abroad were sponsored by the government.

“I saved from my salaries for 29 years in the government, and this is the money I used as capital for a bakery as well as to rear horses, cows and buffaloes.

“I did not borrow a single cent from the bank, nor did I buy shares. But there is one house which I developed with a government loan, and I have repaid this,” he said in his blog.

As for the losses incurred during his tenure, Mahathir asked if they were similar to the funds missing from 1MDB, and if there is evidence to show he deposited government money into his personal bank account.

The former premier was responding to those who defended Najib by claiming Mahathir had committed wrongdoings when he was in power, and therefore had no right to criticise the prime minister.

However, Mahathir questioned if he was accused of stealing government funds to the tune of billions both domestically and internationally when he was prime minister.

“I am always accused as being corrupt and having cronies. When I was prime minister, I considered these accusations as normal since I was a politician.

“But the fact is, the accusations hurled at Najib have never been directed at me when I was prime minister,” he added.

Mahathir said after he stepped down in 2003, the government’s attempt to investigate his purported wrongdoings in financial management did not succeed.

“If there was (evidence), I would have certainly been dragged to court a long time ago,” he added.

Reiterating his earlier allegations against Najib, Mahathir also questioned the need to keep the reports of Bank Negara, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the auditor-general confidential if the prime minister is innocent.

Najib has denied abusing public funds for personal gain and accused Mahathir of conspiring to topple him from power.

The prime minister was also cleared of any wrongdoing by attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali.

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