Mahathir denies any involvement in corrupt practices as former Malaysia Prime Minister.

• Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia's former Prime Minister, stated that he and his family members were not involved in any corrupt practices.
• According to Reuters, Mahathir was among individuals being probed for corruption by Malaysia's Anti-Corruption Commission last month, involving his sons.
• In January, Mahathir's sons, Mirzan and Mokhzani, were directed to disclose their assets as part of the investigation.

Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia's former prime minister, stated that he and his family members were not involved in any corrupt practices.

According to Reuters, Mahathir was among individuals being probed for corruption by Malaysia's Anti-Corruption Commission last month, involving his sons.

In January, Mahathir's sons, Mirzan and Mokhzani, were directed to disclose their assets as part of the investigation.

Mahathir stated on "Squawk Box Asia" on Thursday that although corruption existed during his time, he personally did not engage in corrupt practices.

"To avoid accusations of nepotism, I ensured that none of my family members were involved in any government business."

The 98-year-old former premier stated that he and his sons would fully cooperate with Malaysia's anti-corruption agency.

"Mahathir stated that the investigation does not require him to declare his assets, as he has "nothing to hide." He added that so far, only his sons have been asked to make a declaration of assets."

According to reports, Mahathir's sons claimed that their father was the main suspect in the investigation into allegations of corruption involving his abuse of power as prime minister.

Recently, local media has reported that Daim Zainuddin, Malaysia's former minister of finance and an ally of Mahathir, is being investigated for financial dealings.

Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister, has pledged to eradicate corruption, but his opponents have claimed that he is focusing on his former political adversaries, which he has refuted.

A recent government report against corruption revealed that the country lost a staggering 277 billion ringgit ($58.77 billion) to corruption from 2018 to 2023. Additionally, the report underscored the severe political consequences of corruption.

The report stated that over 80% of Malaysians lost trust and respect for politicians and national leaders due to ongoing corruption issues.

The absence of genuine leadership, the appointment of questionable individuals to important political positions, and the failure to enforce anti-corruption measures or punish those involved in corrupt practices have eroded the trust and effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts.