KUALA LUMPUR: It is difficult for the family members of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to gather a list of assets since 1981 as requested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) because the technology used back then was primitive.
His son Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir said during the first years when his father was prime minister, the country did not utilise technologies like today, Utusan Malaysia reported.
"It's not easy to find files from 1981, but they are still trying. Even if I were to ask the government whether they still have files from 10 years ago, the answer would be no.
"Usually, they only keep files for seven years. At that time, there were no thumb drives. Instead, there were microfiches, and it was unlike now where you can easily do a Google search," he told Utusan Malaysia recently.
Previously, two of Dr Mahathir's sons, Mirzan and Tan Sri Mokhzani, were called by the MACC to assist in investigations into their father's assets. They had been questioned in January on allegations of Dr Mahathir being the main suspect in the MACC's investigation.
On Jan 18, the MACC instructed Mirzan to declare all movable and immovable assets under his possession, whether inside or outside the country, within 30 days from the date of notice.
Mokhzani was investigated under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
Mukhriz said his two brothers are ready to comply with instructions and adhere to the law, although they feel political elements are involved in the case.
"We do feel there are political elements. We have laws. When subjected to any legal action, we respond with the law as well."
Mukhriz added that Dr Mahathir was fully aware of current issues thanks to his daily newspaper reading despite still not being fully healthy after being treated at the National Heart Institute (IJN) for 52 days
"When accusations are made against Tun (Dr Mahathir), saying he's very wealthy, enriching his children, don't just talk. There must be evidence.
"I understand this because I have been a menteri besar. When you become a menteri besar, whatever you say is considered the official stance of the state government.
"I was once reprimanded by a state government officer (Kedah) during the first press conference after taking the oath as Menteri Besar. The officer came and whispered to me, 'Datuk Seri, you no longer have personal opinions.'
"Imagine being a prime minister? He no longer has personal opinions because what he says will become the government's 'fatwa.'
"So, if there's no basis, don't say it. Don't be too political. Need to be a little more cautious," he said.