(30-12-2023, 06:37 PM)Tee tiong huat Wrote: He is 98 years old already, hope his heart can take it. Honorary (titles )‘Tun’ is bestowed on Mahathir should not exempt him from corruption investigations. He advocated re-examining old scandals involving state enterprises like Perwaja Steel which occurred during Mahathir’s 1981-2003 tenure.
29th Dec 2023 – KL. A top aide to Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim called for authorities to probe assets of former premier Mahathir, reviving scrutiny on 98-yr-old politician who dominated country’s leadership for over two decades.
Statements follow Mahathir’s recent quips daring the govt to investigate all ‘Tun’ title holders like himself if fail to disclose their wealth sources, such remarks prompted backlash who warned against abusing state power for political retribution. Critics noted, any probe adhere to rule of law principles, whereby investigations require formal legal complaints, not just political rhetoric. Lawyer Haniff Khatri Abdulla argued arbitrarily targeting Dr M in absence of new evidence would itself constitute an abuse of power. Nonetheless, the veteran ex-premier remains a lightning rod in Malaysia.
Some in Anwar’s reformist coalition allege Mahathir laid the groundwork for today’s patronage politics by coddling businessmen and allowing money politics to become entrenched.
Nonetheless Mahathir, old may be politically explosive given his enduring popularity with some Malays. The ex-premier remains influential despite retirement, and his criticism could rally anti-govt sentiment.
A big ? is his old, 98yo Fox lehh. Can he!, I wish he can live till plus 100 yr and more to see his action on tv...
Today news says prosecuting an almost centenarian former leader also risks damaging Malaysia’s reputation???,. for pursuing political vendettas. Legal experts have warned against potentially unconstitutional actions that could upset ethnic sensitivities. (
Malaysia RM$ is money, is along is stolen)
Now Anwar’s allies expect boldness in eradicating corruption, regardless of suspects’ power or connections. They are frustrated by slow progress in prosecuting past abuses linked to UMNO, the former ruling party.
But with Anwar’s mandate for reform endorsed at 2018 polls, they desire decisive accountability. As premier, Anwar must balance conflicting pressures and priorities deftly. While activists clamour for past corruption probes, economy and rising costs dominate citizens’ immediate concerns.
Stability remains fragile after last year’s political turnover. Any probe targeting Dr M thus be apolitical, transparent and based wholly on rule-of-law principles. Credible evidence that stands up in court must exist before examining decades-old allegations anew.