Not wrong for Robert Kuok to fund DAP, says Mahathir
(TMI) – Dr Mahathir Mohamad accused Umno of double standards today, questioning the ruling party’s anger at Malaysian tycoon Robert Kuok for allegedly funding DAP when Umno itself accepted donations from controversial sources.
Writing in his blog, the Pakatan Harapan chairman said those who were supportive of opposition parties were harassed by government agencies such as the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) and anti-graft investigators, whereas donations to Prime Minister Najib Razak’s accounts were never investigated.
“Umno is angry against Robert Kuok because he is said to be funding fund DAP, but which law has he broken? Anyone can help political parties.
“But now you can only help Umno and Barisan Nasional, even if you use money stolen for the elections. But opposition parties are not allowed to receive donations,” the former prime minister said.
He said Putrajaya has sent the IRB and the anti-graft agency on those who have been supportive of opposition parties, forcing them to “pay additional income tax, which is illegal, and accused them of money laundering even when there is no proof”.
“But 1MDB money and RM2.6 billion in Najib’s accounts, which are said to be donations, are never investigated, never charged,” he said, referring to state investor 1Malaysia Development Bhd.
Kuok has denied the allegations, which originated from the blog Malaysia Today.
It was reported last August that the IRB had raided the offices of Dr Mahathir’s three sons – Mokhzani, Mirzan and Mukhriz – on the same day.
Dr Mahathir had, in the past, claimed that his friends and those thought to be connected to him were being harassed by the government, including through the IRB.
One of these friends was businessman Lee Kim Yew, who claimed that he was being investigated under criminal instead of civil laws.
“Now, an expo is being carried out by Umno nationwide, giving out houses and motorcycles through lucky draws. When done so near the elections, it is considered a bribe. But, there are no investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission or police,” Dr Mahathir said in his blog.
He said the government’s money, obtained through taxes like the goods and services tax, was used to buy Malaysians’ votes, adding that while it was all right for people to take the money, they should not vote for Barisan Nasional.
He said it was clear that Islamist party PAS had received bribes from Najib, and was poised to spoil votes for the opposition, to ensure an Umno win, in the next general election.
“If you collaborate with infidels, you become an infidel. PAS is now that, when they are helping Umno win.”
