Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been accused of being a conduit for French nuclear energy giant Électricité de France's (EDF) foray into Asia.
The accusation was made by little known Citizens for Accountable Governance Malaysia (CAGM), which emerged last week, accusing Mahathir of misappropriation of public funds and that he has accumulated " staggering wealth ".
CAGM's chairperson Md Zainal Abidin said Mahathir's "strategic involvement" with EDF were revealed by a Paris-based whistleblower.
The Citizens for Accountable Governance Malaysia (CAGM) now claims that a Paris-based whistleblower has details of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad's involvement with French nuclear energy giant EDF (Électricité de France).
"Based on details provided by the whistleblower, Mahathir's role is as facilitator for the smooth entry of EDF into the Asian region, particularly Malaysia," he said in a press release.
The whistleblower had purportedly told CAGM that Tanjong Group had acquired EDF's power assets in Egypt for USD307 million due to Mahathir's influence.
Tanjong's subsidiaries which own the Egyptian power plants are now owned by 1MDB, the whistleblower told CAGM.
Sarawak Report link
The whistleblower also claimed that Mahathir is acquainted with Andrew Brown, the husband to Sarawak Report editor Clare Rewcastle Brown ( photo, right ).
Andrew Brown is a former journalist and now EDF's media strategist.
"CAGM welcomes Mahathir's response on this alleged 'involvement' with EDF," wrote Md Zainal.
Strangely, despite the efforts to tie Mahathir with EDF and the Browns, Md Zainal does not make any suggestions that the former premier did anything wrong.
Previously, Md Zainal had offered RM1 million for information on Mahathir's alleged wrongdoings during his 22 years as prime minister.
He accused Mahathir of having "hidden cash and assets" held by companies, nominees and proxies offshore.
Md Zainal also threatened to sue Mahathir for RM50 billion for misappropriation of public funds.
CAGM's sudden appearance and activities has led to suspicions that the group is linked to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak. Mahathir has recently become one of Najib's harshest critic.
