Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad of Malaysia denies allegations of corruption, stating that most of his money earned during his political career is now depleted. In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Mahathir refuted claims by current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, challenging him to provide evidence of any illicit wealth.
Mahathir, under investigation by the country’s anticorruption agency, offered to travel to Switzerland with Anwar to locate any alleged hidden funds. He also defended his sons, Mirzan and Mokhzani, against accusations of improper business dealings.
The 98-year-old leader explained his financial history, detailing his modest salaries and government-provided benefits throughout his tenure. Mahathir emphasized his commitment to fighting corruption, recounting his efforts to oust former Prime Minister Najib Razak amid the 1MDB scandal.
Despite resigning in 2020, Mahathir remains a prominent voice in Malaysian politics, advocating for accountability and fairness. He criticized leniency towards convicted leaders like Najib, warning against setting dangerous precedents.
With a legacy of political upheaval and anti-corruption activism, Mahathir continues to shape Malaysia’s political landscape, standing against injustice and misuse of power.