The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has confirmed that its investigation into the wealth of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has now expanded to Switzerland, following earlier inquiries in the United Kingdom.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki stated that the commission was working with authorities in both countries to trace and verify information that may be linked to the former premier. He noted that the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre (IACCC), a unit under the UK’s National Crime Agency, is actively supporting the inquiry. At present, he explained, the commission remains engaged in ongoing collaboration but no new findings have yet been confirmed.
The expansion of the probe marks the latest phase in an investigation that first came to light in April 2024, when Azam revealed that Dr Mahathir was among several individuals scrutinised over asset declarations. That announcement was followed by notices issued under Section 36 of the MACC Act 2009 to his two sons, Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir and Mirzan Mahathir, requiring them to disclose their assets.
According to declarations submitted earlier this year, Mokhzani’s wealth was reported to be worth around RM1 billion, while Mirzan declared assets valued at RM246.2 million. These revelations drew significant public attention and intensified speculation about the ongoing probe.
In addressing the matter, Azam indicated that the commission’s work is far from concluded and hinted at the possibility of extending its inquiries to additional jurisdictions beyond Switzerland and the UK, depending on future findings.
Meanwhile, Azam also provided an update on a separate investigation concerning the so-called “counter setting” scandal, which allegedly enabled foreigners to bypass proper entry procedures into Malaysia. He confirmed that 27 individuals, including 18 enforcement officers, had been detained in an operation earlier this month spanning Selangor, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur and Negeri Sembilan. The suspects, aged between 20 and 50, remain under investigation, although no fresh arrests have been made.
Azam said he had directed his team to conclude this case within three weeks, with decisions on potential charges to be announced thereafter.
The widening of the Mahathir investigation into Switzerland underscores MACC’s increasing use of international cooperation in high-profile cases, reflecting Malaysia’s growing reliance on global anti-corruption networks to uncover hidden assets abroad.
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