Not bribe, unless money pocketed.
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said although he dares not make a comment on graft allegations involving AirAsia and AirAsia X, he felt that corruption occurred only when the money received is pocketed.
The Prime Minister said even the government asked for an offset when making procurement such as aircraft.
“When the government procured equipment, we will request for an offset. For example, when we procure an aircraft, we will request for an offset.
“And whether you described offset as a bribery that is up to you.
“However, to me, when you obtained something because you bought it at a higher price, then why can’t you accept it?
“Unless the money went into your pocket, now that is bribery. If it was for specific purpose, it is (considered) offset not bribery. That is my opinion,” Dr Mahathir told reporters today.
According to reports, the United Kingdom’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) claimed that Airbus had paid a bribe of US$50 million to executives of AirAsia and AirAsia X to win plane orders from the airlines.
The UK’s SFO claimed that Airbus sponsored a sports team owned by executives of AirAsia while negotiating the airplane orders.