KUALA LUMPUR – Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir, the latest tycoon to face scrutiny from graft busters, has had his extensive wealth thrust into the limelight.
Similar to his brother Mirzan, Mokhzani, who is the second son of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, is currently under investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Interestingly, Mokhzani’s name did not surface in any of the leaked documents such as the widely-publicised Panama, Paradise, or Pandora Papers – unlike Mirzan.
For decades, Mokhzani has been a prominent figure in the oil and gas industry, aligning with his background of holding a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Tulsa.
Currently under investigation under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorist Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities (AMLATFPUAA) Act 2001, Mokhzani has been served with a notice to declare his assets both domestically and internationally.
As we await the disclosure of Mokhzani’s assets, Scoop delves into his extensive directorships and shareholdings.
However, it is important to note that owning or being involved in companies is not an offence under the law, and the MACC has yet to specify any wrongdoing on his part.
Companies mentioned in Dr Mahathir v. Anwar defamation case: Sapura Energy Bhd and others
According to an MACC source, the focus of the investigation into Mokhzani revolves around his shareholding in a government-linked company. This company is believed to have secured a licence for fabricating structures for oil and gas exploration during the tenure of his father as prime minister.
The company in question could be Kencana Petroleum Bhd, which was formed when Mokhzani invested in Hin Loon (HL) Engineering Sdn Bhd in 2001 through Kencana Capital Sdn Bhd.
Subsequently, HL Engineering was rebranded as Kencana Petroleum, later merging with SapuraCrest Petroleum Bhd in 2012 to become SapuraKencana Petroleum Bhd.
In 2017, the merged entity was renamed Sapura Energy Bhd.
In a defamation case against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Dr Mahathir had been accused of overseeing the awarding of an offshore structure fabrication licence to Kencana Petroleum by Petronas in 2002, while Mokhzani was associated with the company.
However, Mokhzani sold a significant portion of his shares in SapuraKencana in 2014 and Sapura Energy in 2017.
Opcom Cables Sdn Bhd
Anwar also highlighted a contract worth RM11.157 million awarded to Opcom by Telekom, while Mokhzani served as one of Opcom’s directors from May 2009 to June 2019.
Anwar alleged that the contract was granted just four days after Dr Mahathir became prime minister in May 2018 without the approval of the new cabinet formed in July 2018.
Mokhzani resigned from all positions at Opcom and its subsidiaries in 2019, citing personal reasons.
Other directorships and presidencies
In 2020, Mokhzani ranked 45th among Malaysia’s wealthiest individuals with US$305 million (RM1.44 million with current exchange rates), according to Forbes.
He currently holds the position of chairman at Maxis Bhd since April 22, 2021, and has been a non-executive director since October 16, 2009. Additionally, he serves as the chairman of the government and regulatory affairs committee and heads the share insurance committee.
Mokhzani also holds a directorship in Yayasan Tun Dr Siti Hasmah, a foundation named after his mother.
Despite not being implicated in the Panama, Pandora, or Paradise Papers, Mokhzani was identified by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) in its “offshore leaks database” as the former director of two companies based in the British Virgin Islands: Maxgold Investments Group Ltd and the now-liquidated Glossmere Investments Ltd.
Before 2001, Mokhzani held top positions in three companies: Tongkah Holdings Bhd, Hospital Pantai Bhd, and Avenue Assets. However, he withdrew from all his businesses in that year amidst allegations involving government projects. Mokhzani was HPB’s largest shareholder in 1997.
In the entertainment industry, Mokhzani was a director at Hollywood actor Benedict Cumberbatch’s production firm, SunnyMarch Holdings Ltd, from June 2, 2017, until August 27, 2021.
The collaboration reportedly ended with Cumberbatch, who is famous for playing Dr Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, severing business ties with Mokhzani over alleged anti-Semitic remarks made by Dr Mahathir.
Mokhzani had invested £1 million in the company through Kencana Capital.
Automobiles and motorsports
Mokhzani served as the chairman of Jaseri Automotive Group Sdn Bhd, the former sole importer of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia. The import rights were later transferred to Sime Darby Auto Performance Sdn Bhd in 2010 where Mokhzani remains a shareholder.
Diving into his passion for motorsports, Mokhzani was the chairman of Sepang International Circuit for 13 years, from 2003 until 2016. He also assumed the role of president at the Motorsport Association of Malaysia in 2019.
Umno affiliation
From the 1990s until 2001, Mokhzani actively participated in politics as the treasurer for Umno Youth. He also served as the treasurer for Kedah Umno.
However, he resigned from Umno in 2008, concluding his 22-year membership in the party’s Sg Layar Hujung branch on February 1, 2024. – February 1, 2024