A political storm has broken out in Malaysia following revelations that timber used to build a 25-bed palatial home for Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe was provided free of charge by Malaysia, according to the country’s former prime minister.
Mahathir Mohamad, who led Malaysia for 22 years until last October, said timber was exported for the construction of the mansion near Harare. He justified the gift as promotion of Malaysian timber.
However, the news has caused protests in Malaysia, with opposition leaders demanding an investigation into the deal.
Mr Mugabe had told Sky News in May that timber had been supplied thanks to his “good friend” Mr Mohamad.
