Dr M's 'nepotism' exposed online
Malaysiakini
Sep 21, 2006
Muhammad Razif

Several documents pertaining to business deals between the children of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the government are being circulated on the Internet.

According to sources, this is being done to counter Mahathir’s criticisms of Scomi Bhd’s involvement in government projects.

Mahathir has alleged that Scomi - which is controlled by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s son, Kamaluddin - received numerous government contracts since Abdullah took office in 2003.

One of the documents being circulated in a ‘pro-Umno’ blog is the agreement letter to appoint Opcom Sdn Bhd as the supplier of fibre optics worth RM214.2 million to Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM).

Mahathir’s son, Mukhriz, is the chairperson and managing director of Opcom.

According to the letter, dated Oct 7, 2003 and bearing the Finance Ministry letterhead, the contract was obtained through direct negotiations and not via a tender process.

The letter, marked confidential, was released by the ministry’s procurement management division and addressed to TM’s tender board secretary.

Opcom obtained the contract to produce, supply and ship the fiber optics for three years under the TM vendors programme.

The document has been in circulation on the Internet since Sept 15. However, malaysiakini could not obtain a confirmation from the Finance Ministry or TM regarding the issue.

According to sources, the Opcom document suggested elements of nepotism as Mahathir was also the finance minister at that time.

Other documents 

The source said other documents, involving the business interests of Mahathir’s other sons, Mirzan and Mokhzani, as well as those of his relatives and friends will be circulated in stages.

These documents will be related to national oil giant Petronas and the privatisation of hospital and transportation services.

The source said this is being done to counter the attacks Mahathir has launched against Abdullah and to refute the former premier’s claim that his children never benefitted from his position.

“The documents are being circulated to show the public that Scomi went through the proper process, that is via an open tender, to obtain the contracts, while Mukhriz got it through direct negotiations,” he added.

Over the past months, Mahathir has launched scathing attacks against his handpicked successor Abdullah.

Apart from allegations of nepotism, he has also accused the premier of lying and failing to protect the interest of the nation.