Malaysian leader defends gift to Mugabe

[dArKeR]

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Malaysia's former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad has defended his gift of timber to Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe several years ago, and said he is prepared to be prosecuted if the act is deemed an abuse of his power while in office, reports said on Saturday.

Mahathir said the timber, which was used by Mugabe to build a 25-bedroom mansion, was given as a gift and meant to promote Malaysian products.

"Giving presents to one's counterpart is a normal practice among world leaders.

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