Malaysia's Mahathir dares government to charge him in judicial scandal

The Associated Press
Published: May 17, 2008

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Saturday he is ready to be investigated for alleged links to a scandal over judicial appointments during his rule and challenged the government to charge him.

The government on Friday released a report by a high-level inquiry which said it found evidence that prominent government and judicial figures — including Mahathir — were involved in a conspiracy to manipulate appointments of top judges.

The Cabinet has told the Attorney General's office to investigate those identified in the report, including Mahathir, who stepped down in 2003 after 22 years in power.

"I welcome it," the combative former leader said.

"I want them to charge me in court ... if I am charged, then I can explain what I had done" and have the chance to counter the accusations against him, Mahathir said, without elaborating.

The inquiry's report dealt a major blow to the reputation of Malaysia's courts and bolsters allegations by many lawyers and opposition leaders that judicial corruption has tainted verdicts stretching back more than a decade.

The inquiry concluded there was an "insidious movement" by a well-connected lawyer, V.K. Linga, and his allies to broker the appointment of judges.

"In the process ... Mahathir was also entangled," the report said.

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