Do some soul-searching instead of hurling accusations, Fahmi tells Dr M

KUALA LUMPUR: It would be wise of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to do some self-reflection in his old age instead of making accusations against others, says Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

He said it would be better for the former prime minister to do some soul-searching, especially after losing his deposit in the 15th General Election, rather than make unnecessary statements about Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

On Monday (Jan 22), Dr Mahathir had said Anwar only became Prime Minister by default instead of through a big majority in the general election.

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At a press conference in RTM Angkasapuri here on Tuesday (Jan 23), Fahmi responded: “Tun lost his deposit in Langkawi while Anwar won in Tambun. (Do some self-reflection) and leave a pristine legacy instead of causing fear or (spinning) such a narrative."

Dr Mahathir had also accused Anwar and the government of intimidating him and others through corruption investigations.

This was after Dr Mahathir’s son Datuk Mirzan Mahathir and closest ally former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin were investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

To this, Fahmi said Dr Mahathir appeared to have created such a scenario in his own mind, as the government did not meddle in MACC investigations.

“The MACC is free to conduct any investigation it deems appropriate and Anwar has repeatedly said... MACC (is free of government interference).

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“If he (Dr Mahathir) thinks the investigation is (motivated by) vengeance, then I think he has made it all up... because as Anwar said before, there is nothing personal about this.

“When it involves the rakyat’s money and property, the (authorities have) the right to examine the matter and it doesn’t apply to an individual or just one group. It applies to all,” Fahmi added.

Meanwhile, on the appointment of a new Sarawak governor to replace Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, Fahmi told the media to wait for an official statement.

“Yesterday the Prime Minister said he has presented (a proposal) to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and let’s wait (for) a statement on this,” he said.