Shift investigative gaze to Azam Baki, recommends Tun M

SHAH ALAM - Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has slammed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for their lack of investigation into Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, who faced allegations of excessive share ownership.

Dr Mahathir pointed out that while investigations have been launched against him and certain associates, Azam's alleged shareholdings, previously raised as a concern, haven't been formally probed.

Reflecting on his own vulnerability to investigations, Dr Mahathir expressed a resigned outlook.

"Investigating me, a mere Tun, presents no challenges.

"Even if I end up in jail and die there, the need for investigation ceases with my death," he told a press conference at Yayasan Kepimpinan Perdana in Putrajaya.

Dr Mahathir accused the government of failing to substantiate their claims against him, despite asserting possession of ample evidence.

"They claim to have extensive evidence against me, yet nothing has been presented.

"In the defamation lawsuit I've initiated, I demand proof.

"Their response? They press my son, Mirzan, for evidence to charge me," he said, referencing the ongoing MACC investigation into his eldest son, Mirzan Mahathir.

Last week, MACC summoned Mirzan, a businessman, as it examines financial documents and assets owned by Malaysians listed in the Pandora Papers and Panama Papers reports.

In a related matter, Dr Mahathir noted that both he and Tun Daim Zainuddin are currently under investigation.

"I'm uncertain if this is retribution. When Anwar was released from prison during my tenure as prime minister, and he decided to contest in elections, both Daim and I supported his campaign. Now, it appears he seeks to investigate me," he added.