POKOK SENA: Former special officer to Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir today dared his former boss, who is also Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) vice president, to face him in an open debate over the latter's alleged multi-billion ringgit wealth, claimed to have been amassed within a short period.
Haris Che Mat, who had served as Mukhriz's officer when the latter served as Kedah Menteri Besar, said he and the people at large are keen to know whether he had amassed his wealth through inheritance or from other sources.
"As far as I am aware, Mukhriz does not belong to a wealthy family. It does not make any sense for him to inherit (billions) from his father, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
"As a former prime minister, the most that Dr Mahathir could have (accumulated and saved over the years is) just RM9 million, that is, if he did not spend a single sen from his RM30,000 monthly income for 22 years," Haris said in a press conference here today.
However, he declined to elaborate on the alleged wealth amassed by Mukhriz and how long the latter took to become a multi-billionaire.
Haris, who is also Pokok Sena Umno division vice-chief, said he is challenging Mukhriz to the debate because of Tun Mahathir's recent behaviour, “acting as if he is clean of corruption.”
"Mukhriz must declare how he and his brothers, as the prime minister’s children, had become instant multi-billionaires.
"I wish to remind Mukhriz not to try twisting the facts, because, as his former special officer, I have enough information and secrets which I will reveal during the debate," he said.
Hariz called on Mukhriz to decide the date and time of the debate, which should be held before the month of Ramadhan (at the end of May) at any location in the Jerlun parliamentary constituency.
He added that he will reveal details on Mukhriz's wealth in stages, prior to the debate.