Probe on Mirzan neither political nor act of revenge

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has refuted claims that the probe by the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission is politically motivated or an act of revenge.

“I don’t see it (investigations into Mirzan) as a political revenge or (instigated by) feelings of vengeance. Maybe such (assertions) are merely his (Dr Mahathir’s) own feelings,” Fahmi said during a press conference after attending a p-hailing event in Angkasapuri, here, today.

“(Anwar) has said several times that (graft investigations) are nothing personal. If it’s a matter involving public funds and property, the authorities have the right to investigate in detail.

“This applies to everyone, not just a particular party.”

He said this in view of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s assertion regarding a probe by MACC on his eldest son, Mirzan.

Mahathir also claimed that the probe was an attempt to prosecute him.

Mirzan, 65 was called up for the probe on January 17 as the MACC probed leaked information in the Panama Papers.

MACC is investigating the case under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

The Panama Papers stated that Mirzan registered a company, Sergio International Ltd, in the British Virgin Islands in 2002. The firm became inactive in November 2006 and was struck off.

It also enlisted him as a shareholder and director of Crescent Energy Ltd, a Labuan-registered offshore company incorporated in December 2003 with an authorised share capital of US$12,000 (RM37,000)

In addition to that, he is also named as sole shareholder and director of two other Labuan-registered firms, Utara Capital Ltd and Al Saad Investments Pte Ltd, incorporated in 1997 and 2009.