Kuala Lumpur: It was reasonable to grant Mokhzani Mahathir, the son of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, a one-month extension to declare his assets, says Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Azam Baki.
Azam said the decision was based on the investigating officer’s explanation regarding the extensive nature of Mokhzani’s assets.
“And he (Mokhzani) needs to gather the relevant documents for the details,” he told reporters after an event here today.
“Mokhzani and his brother Mirzan have (also) been cooperating well with us.”
Azam added that the duo can also file for another extension if they require more time beyond the extended deadline. However, he said any extension would still be subject to review.
Yesterday, it was reported that Mokhzani, who was initially given 30 days from Jan 17 to declare his assets, had been granted a one-month extension by MACC.
Mokhzani and Mirzan had pleaded for patience, saying that they were in the midst of collating 43 years’ worth of information, which they said was an “impossible endeavour”.
The duo said MACC had requested a list of assets dating back to 1981 – the year Mahathir became prime minister for the first time.
On a separate matter, Azam said the investigation paper into a graft case involving the Kedah Football Association had been completed and submitted to the deputy public prosecutor.
“It hasn’t gone to the Attorney-General Chambers yet,” he said.
In January, Kedah FA CEO Zulkifli Che Haron and three other men were detained in an investigation into a corruption case allegedly involving RM6 million in 2020.
The RM6 million was reportedly given as a kickback to allow a company owner to obtain a tender to build a racetrack, and another project to operate and maintain five water reservoir plants in the state.
Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Nor was subsequently summoned to the anti-graft agency’s headquarters in Putrajaya to give his statement.
Zulkifli and the other three were later released on bail.
