KUALA LUMPUR – Mirzan Mahathir, the eldest son of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, believes that the latest ordeal gives him another opportunity to prove himself.
The 65-year-old businessman sees each accusation not as a threat, but as a challenge – an opportunity to fortify his character and forge his legacy.
Previously, Scoop reported that Mirzan was summoned by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to declare his assets, which are believed to be related to his shareholding in a government-linked company involved in government projects.
However, last month, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that the agency had given Mirzan an extension of 30 days to declare his assets.
Mirzan was met by Scoop at the National Tennis Centre after the International Tennis Federation Women’s World Tennis Tour press conference, where he confirmed that the hosting rights were given to Malaysia for the third consecutive year in a row.
Mirzan said that he has found himself navigating in deep waters that he had never anticipated, citing that he had always been a man of business, not politics.
Yet, by virtue of his father’s name, Mirzan believes that he was thrust into the unwelcome spotlight of scrutiny.
“I’m doing okay, I just have to take things (MACC investigations) in my stride.
“Not only me, but in Malaysia, everyone is facing challenges. Life has chosen me as a challenge, and I just have to accept it and overcome it. I have been trying my best to get through this.
“It’s not by choice that I’m in a family which always tends to be in the limelight. I have never been a member of any political party, and it’s not something that interests me at all.
“All I want to do is business, and I think there is a perception that one intrudes into the other, but I clearly avoid that because I know what my principles are, where I stand, where the borders are, and the importance of not crossing that line.
“Perception is something that I have no control over, hence, I just have to live with it. What can I do? For me, I just do my work. I’ve been the head, and also heading many companies, and I have a lot of people depending on the businesses.
“I have to do the best I can, not just for myself but for them too. They are also trying to earn a living and trying to feed their family, and I need to help them.
“I have to do things rightly and make them progress, grow, and become better and assure that they have a place within the company and make sure that they don’t have to worry about where their next paycheck is going to come from.
“This is what I’m trying to do for the people who trust me and have the responsibility, and that’s how I am,” said Mirzan.
Mirzan, who is also the president of the Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM), said that throughout his years of being involved in business, he has always made sure that he has given his priority to giving back to society.
Family holds the utmost importance, driving his dedication to work to secure their well-being, citing that they are his unwavering support, thus reinforcing the essential role they play in his life.
“I have also thought that when we are here in Malaysia, we can benefit from the environment that presents itself. It also applies to government policies and the public, and I believe that if I benefit from it,I need to give back to society and always find ways to contribute to the betterment of this country.
“So, I have always been involved in some form of public activity. I was the head of the Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute and also in other institutions that drive to generate good discussion regarding the economy and help us (Malaysians) to move forward and progress as a developing country.
“I’m also in some foundations that help various sectors. In terms of my work-life balance, I always try to balance my life as much as I can, and it’s not an easy thing to do.
“I may look like I’m doing more tennis, but my life has been devoted to the principles of business. I abide by the principles of business and also focus on the value proposition of business and provide the best for my customers as business sustainability is important in this age.
“Society works on having a high level of integrity, and it’s important to have these values and build them in us,” Mirzan added.
Mirzan was elected as president of LTAM in 2015, taking over the position from Tan Sri Abdul Razak Latiff. – March 8, 2024