KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 8): Businessmen Mirzan Mahathir and Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir, the sons of former two-time prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, have confirmed that they have yet to submit the declaration of assets as requested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), but maintained that they are still within the 30-day time frame given by the graft buster.
The deadline given by MACC to declare their assets was 30 days from the date the notice was served. Mirzan was handed the notice on Jan 17 and Mokhzani on Jan 26.
In a joint statement issued by their legal firm, Messrs Zharif Nizamuddin, on Thursday, the brothers said they are in the midst of compiling available information and engaging with relevant parties to assist and advise on the process.
"MACC has requested a list of assets going back to 1981, the year our father Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, became prime minister.
"The task at hand in collating 43 years’ worth of information is an impossible endeavour and we ask for patience and understanding to address MACC’s request," the statement read.
Furthermore, Mirzan and Mokhzani said they have not been informed of the specifics of the investigation by MACC other than that it pertains to their former prime minister father.
"To avoid any misrepresentation or prejudgement, it would seem appropriate for all parties to apply restraint when commenting on this case, especially when we have not been informed of the specifics of the investigation other than it pertains to our father," the brothers said.
The statement was issued in response to MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki's statement on Tuesday that both the businessmen had yet to submit their assets declaration as requested by the commission as part of an ongoing investigation.
Media reports quoted Azam as saying in a press conference in Kuching that the duo could be charged if they fail to submit the assets declaration within the stipulated time. However, they can still appeal to extend the period when it ends.
On Jan 18, MACC confirmed it had summoned Mirzan, the eldest of Mahathir's children, to facilitate an ongoing investigation.
The commission said it had served Mirzan a notice under Section 36(1)(b) of the MACC Act 2009 to declare all movable and immovable assets in his possession, whether inside or outside the country, within 30 days.
The order was said to be an extension of MACC's investigation regarding the information in the Panama Papers as well as Mirzan's business activities involving the sale and purchase of government-linked companies.
Meanwhile, Mokhzani was called up by the commission on Jan 26 to be investigated under the MACC Act and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.