PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has deepened its international efforts to trace and recover assets allegedly linked to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, his family and associated individuals by forging cooperation with British authorities.
According to a well-placed source, MACC has held multiple meetings with the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre (IACCC), a specialised unit under the National Crime Agency (NCA) based in London, in connection with the case.
The collaboration comes as part of a broader investigation into suspiciously acquired wealth allegedly parked abroad, including in Canada, Switzerland, Japan and the United Kingdom.
"MACC is currently awaiting the official list of assets from UK authorities involving those countries. Once complete, the legal process will begin for the seizure and forfeiture of any identified assets, similar to the approach taken in the Tun Daim Zainuddin case," the source revealed.
The MACC and the UK's NCA had formalised their cooperation in December 2024 through a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) agreement, aimed at streamlining international asset recovery and anti-corruption efforts.
Meanwhile, the source noted that tracing and repatriating potentially misappropriated assets is no straightforward task, especially when international jurisdictions are involved.
"It's a long and complex process, involving international legal instruments and cooperation from various foreign enforcement bodies...but the investigation will continue transparently to ensure any unlawfully acquired assets are returned to the country," the source said.
As part of the ongoing probe, MACC has already summoned Dr Mahathir's two sons to declare their domestic and overseas assets, in line with Section 36 of the MACC Act 2009, as well as the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
Earlier today, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said that the investigation into Dr Mahathir is still ongoing, with the current focus on assets believed to be owned by him in the United Kingdom.
In April 2024, Azam disclosed that Dr Mahathir was among several high-profile individuals being investigated for failure to declare assets, a key offence under anti-corruption legislation. As a result, his sons were formally issued notices to declare their wealth, with a fixed deadline stipulated under the law.
On Jan 21, 2025, it was reported that based on their declarations to MACC, Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir owned assets worth approximately RM1bill, while Mirzan Mahathir declared RM246.2mil. – Bernama
