Former Malaysia Prime Minister Mahathir says he's 'not involved in corrupt practices'

• Malaysia's former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said he and his family members were not involved  in any "corrupt practices."
• Last month, Malaysia's Anti-Corruption Commission said Mahathir was among individuals being investigated over a corruption probe that involved his sons, according to Reuters.
• Mahathir's sons — Mirzan and Mokhzani — were in January ordered to declare their assets as part of the investigation.

Malaysia's former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad said he and his family members were not involved  in any "corrupt practices."

Last month, Malaysia's Anti-Corruption Commission said Mahathir was among individuals being investigated over a corruption probe that involved his sons, according to Reuters.

Mahathir's sons — Mirzan and Mokhzani — were in January ordered to declare their assets as part of the investigation.

"During my time, there was corruption. But I myself was not involved in corrupt practices," Mahathir told CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia" on Thursday.

"I made sure that even my family cannot be involved in a government business because I might be accused of nepotism."

The 98-year-old two-time former premier noted he and his sons would "cooperate fully," with Malaysia's anti-corruption agency.  

"So far, they have only asked my sons to make the declaration of assets. The investigation does not involve demanding that I declare my assets," Mahathir said, adding that he was willing to make a declaration if asked by authorities since he has "nothing to hide."  

Mahathir's sons have reportedly said their father was the primary target in the corrupt investigation on whether he "abused his position as prime minister."

Malaysia's former minister of finance Daim Zainuddin, an ally of Mahathir, has also come