Malaysia extends deadline for Mahathir Mohamad’s son, Mirzan to declare assets in anti-graft probe

The order is part of an anti-graft investigation after Mirzan’s name appeared in leaks of offshore business records revealed by a global media network

Malaysian authorities stepped up probes involving former leaders and rivals to PM Anwar Ibrahim since he rose to power in 2022 on an anti-graft platform

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Mirzan Mahathir, the eldest son of former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, has been told to declare his assets to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. Photo: SCMPOST

Published: 8:30am, 18 Feb 2024Updated: 9:21am, 18 Feb 2024

Malaysian anti-graft officials granted one of Mahathir Mohamad’s sons more time to declare his wealth amid an investigation into his business activities.

Mirzan Mahathir was initially told on January 18 to declare all his assets within 30 days. Failure to do so could have seen him charged in court, which happened to Mahathir’s former adviser last month.

“We are giving him the extension after he applied for additional time to declare his assets,” Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Chief Azam Baki said in a text message on Saturday. While he didn’t comment on the new deadline, the Star newspaper said another 30 days was given to Mirzan.

The order is part of MACC’s investigation after Mirzan’s name appeared in leaks of offshore business records that were revealed in recent years by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, a global media network.

Malaysian authorities have stepped up probes involving former leaders and rivals to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim since he rose to power in 2022 on an anti-graft platform. Those embroiled in investigations include ex-prime ministers Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Muhyiddin Yassin, as well as the chief of an opposition-led state.

Mahathir, who was admitted to the hospital on January 26 for an infection, has said Mirzan was targeted for being his son and the probe was politically motivated. Several days after Mahathir spoke to the media, MACC revealed it had issued an asset declaration notice to another son, Mokhzani, as well.

Anwar has sought to allay fresh criticism against his reform agenda after former leader Najib Razak was granted a sentence reduction for his role in crimes related to state fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd. Najib is a member of the United Malays National Organisation, a party that helped Anwar gain power.