'Assets in the UK? News to me,' Dr M quips in swipe at MACC, Anwar

Summary

• Dr Mahathir mocks MACC probe into his alleged assets in the UK, claiming he was not aware he owned any.

• Centenarian claims Anwar instructed anti-graft agency to undertake probe so as to delay defamation lawsuit.

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has mocked the MACC’s probe into his alleged assets in the United Kingdom, saying he was unaware he owned any and inviting the authorities to inform him so he could claim them.

In a sarcastic response, Mahathir said the investigation was a deliberate attempt by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to delay his defamation lawsuit.

He noted that although Anwar had sought two weeks to respond to the suit, nearly two years had passed without the case reaching court.

In his statement today, Mahathir dismissed the claim of UK assets as baseless, adding that if such properties did exist, he would donate them to the poor.

"Please inform me so that I may claim these assets. Once I have them, I will donate them to many of the poor," he said.

Mahathir’s remarks come after Bernama reported that MACC was continuing its investigation into the former premier and is focusing on assets allegedly owned by him in the UK.

"The investigation involving Mahathir is still ongoing, and we are obtaining detailed information from external parties, particularly the UK authorities, regarding assets believed to be owned by him.

"If such information is obtained, we will announce it later," Bernama reported MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki saying in a press conference on Sept 9.

Creating impression of wrongdoing

Mahathir, in his statement today, also panned the prolonged investigation as a tactic to buy time, alleging it was being used to create the impression of wrongdoing where there was none.

"In truth, I believe Anwar instructed the MACC to carry out this investigation in order to delay the case. When I sued him, he asked for two weeks to respond.

"Now it has been two years. He still dares not go to court. He still seeks a delay. Allegedly, I have assets in the UK. The investigation will take time. More delay," the former Langkawi MP said.

In May 2023, Mahathir filed a RM150 million lawsuit against Anwar, over claims that he had amassed wealth for personal riches while in power.

On April 17, it was reported that Mahathir would proceed with legal action after Anwar did not comply with the centenarian’s letter of demand for an apology over the claim made during the PKR president’s policy speech at the party’s special national congress on March 18.

Chronology of events

In April last year, Azam confirmed that Mahathir, who has accused Anwar of targeting his family and associates, is under investigation as well, but declined to divulge additional details.

Mahathir had also made it clear that he has no qualms about declaring his assets.

READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | Mirzan and Mokhzani Mahathir’s wealth

In September the same year, Azam announced that Mahathir’s sons Mokhzani and Mirzan had declared their assets to the MACC, and that the duo did so according to the period given by the agency.

On Aug 14, MACC granted a final one-month extension to the two brothers, giving them until mid-September 2024 to declare their assets. This followed an earlier request for an additional extension, as reported on May 24.

However, MACC did not close the duration of the extension at the time of the request.

On Jan 18, 2024, Mokhzani and Mirzan were served with a notice under Section 36(1)(b) of the MACC Act 2009, mandating them to disclose all their movable and immovable assets.

The brothers subsequently released a media statement requesting patience and understanding for their “impossible endeavour” of collating 43 years’ worth of information.

Azam had previously warned that failure to comply could result in legal action.

MACC identifies Daim's assets worth over RM3b in 11 countries

MACC completes probe on Ismail Sabri, seeks to forfeit RM170m

YOURSAY | Authorities right to probe unaccounted wealth

MACC assets forfeiture suggestion against Daim 'absurd', says lawyer

Look at Uruguay's 'poor' Mujica and 'T20' you, PSM tells Wong Chen

MACC: Mokhzani declared almost RM1b assets, Mirzan RM246m