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

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-premiers 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.

Malaysia’s Mahathir back in heart hospital as corruption probe circles sons

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.

The leniency was a result of royal intervention and came less than a year after the government withdrew 47 criminal charges against Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also UMNO’s president. Anwar has denied interfering in the cases, as well as in MACC’s investigations.