KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has rebutted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s remarks on his sons’ wealth, stressing that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has never stated the assets were obtained through illegitimate means.
According to Dr Mahathir, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki had previously confirmed the agency was satisfied with the asset declarations submitted by his sons, Tan Sri Mokhzani and Mirzan.
Earlier reports stated that Mokhzani declared total assets of about RM1 billion, with RM316 million in personal wealth, while Mirzan declared RM246.2 million in total assets, including RM120 million in personal wealth.
Last week, Anwar reportedly said Mokhzani and Mirzan should return their wealth to the government if it was proven to have been acquired through unclear or unlawful means.
In a statement today, Dr Mahathir questioned the basis of Anwar’s remarks.
“Was Azam satisfied without knowing the sources of this wealth?” he asked. “The MACC interrogated my sons repeatedly, for hours each time. Did they not ask about the origins of the declared assets?”
He explained that his sons’ wealth—comprising property, shares, liabilities, and other assets—was accumulated over more than 20 years in business.
“Such properties naturally appreciate over time. The MACC never said the sources were unclear or illegitimate. They cannot be ‘satisfied’ if the declarations were questionable,” he said.
“Is Anwar suggesting that we sell all our assets and hand over the proceeds to the government? On what grounds is he making this demand?”
