Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on the sons of former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to return their wealth to the government if it was acquired through illegitimate or unclear means.
In an interview with Indonesian journalist Najwa Shihab in Jakarta, Anwar said the vast wealth declared by Dr Mahathir’s sons raised serious questions. He stated that such matters had been handed over to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for investigation.
“I don’t make baseless accusations against anyone. I’ve handed the matter over to the MACC,” said Anwar. “But if they themselves admit — not as an accusation but as a declaration — that ‘I (Mahathir) or my son own RM1.2 billion, and another one RM4 billion’, then the money must be returned. You must pay it back, unless you can clearly explain where the funds came from.”
Previously, Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir declared assets worth around RM1 billion, while Mirzan Mahathir declared RM246.2 million to the MACC.
Anwar also questioned the opposition’s stance in defending individuals facing allegations of suspicious wealth, branding it hypocritical for a bloc that claims to fight corruption. “Why should the son of a prime minister or minister possess billions of ringgit in wealth? This culture must end. I want real reform — not just on paper or in regulation, but reform in action,” he added.
The remarks were made during Anwar’s two-day official visit to Indonesia for the 13th Malaysia–Indonesia Annual Leaders’ Consultation with President Prabowo Subianto.
In response, Dr Mahathir’s son, Mukhriz Mahathir, strongly criticised Anwar, accusing him of launching a baseless smear campaign against his father. The Pejuang president took to Facebook, posing a series of rhetorical questions aimed at highlighting what he saw as political opportunism.
Mukhriz recalled that in 2016, Mahathir and Anwar—once adversaries—joined forces to oust then prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. He referenced their symbolic handshake at the Kuala Lumpur High Court, where Anwar was challenging the National Security Council (NSC) Act 2016. Anwar’s wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, noted at the time that it was the first meeting between the two since Anwar’s sacking in 1998.
“When Tun Mahathir shook hands with Anwar during Anwar’s court trial, did Anwar brush off his hand because he was corrupt? No,” Mukhriz said. He also pointed out that Mahathir was welcomed into Pakatan Harapan and chosen as its prime ministerial candidate in GE14. “When Harapan selected Tun M to lead the coalition, did Anwar and Harapan consider him corrupt? No.”
Mukhriz questioned the integrity of Anwar’s recent claims, noting that Mahathir had appointed Harapan leaders to Cabinet positions and supported Anwar’s royal pardon without objection at the time. He also reminded the public that Anwar had accepted Mahathir and the late Tun Daim Zainuddin’s support in the 2018 Port Dickson by-election.
“Anwar has accused my father of corruption for 25 years, without producing evidence. Only when Tun M and Bersatu joined Harapan did BN fall. Did Anwar reject that victory on principle? No,” Mukhriz said. “And never once during that period did anyone raise the issue of Tun M enriching his children.”
He accused Anwar of recycling old allegations now that he is in power and questioned why no proof has been presented. “Where’s the evidence? There is none. Anwar and Harapan are now the government. Is the Madani government hiding the evidence?”
Mukhriz further challenged Anwar’s credibility as an anti-corruption advocate, citing the appointment of UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as Deputy Prime Minister. He also criticised Anwar’s inner circle, including former aide Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak, whose business dealings have drawn public attention, and the controversial appointment of Anwar’s daughter Nurul Izzah as a senior adviser.
“Enough with the distractions. The real issue is the worsening economy under your administration,” he said. “No one believes you anymore, Anwar. Just step down.”