Azmin not 'so stupid' to be embroiled in sex scandal, says Dr Mahathir

KUALA LUMPUR: Economics Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali is not "so stupid" to be embroiled in a sex scandal, says Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The Prime Minister believed that certain quarters are making deliberate attempts to affect the future of Azmin.

"I don't think he is so stupid as to do that and get caught in a picture (videos) like that.

"I think somebody is out to bring him down," he said in a press conference after officiating the Asia Oil and Gas (AOGC 2019) conference Monday (June 24).

He said this when asked to comment on veteran newsman A. Kadir Jasin's blog post that highlighted several cases in other countries where leaders stepped down when implicated in scandals.

Dr Mahathir said anyone can have their pictures implicated in such compromising positions, thanks to the "miracles in electronics" in faking images.

"We have done away with the (Anti) Fake News Act but sometimes we feel somebody must take action against these fake news," he added.

The Anti-Fake News Act is in the midst of being repealed.

Asked if there was a need for Azmin to step down, Dr Mahathir said there was no necessity.

"No, there is no necessity simply because in other countries people do something.

"I know in one country if a plane crashes in the airfield, the minister of transport resigns or throws himself out of a building but it is not our way," he added.