KUALA LUMPUR (July 6): Khazanah Nasional Bhd has come out to say it will seek further clarification on its mandate and investments from Putrajaya after Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was quoted by the media as saying that Khazanah has deviated from its original purpose to preserve Bumiputras' shares of equity in the capital market.

"We respectfully refer to various news reports today in respect of Khazanah's mandate and investments. In this regard, further to various queries, we wish to inform that we are seeking further clarification as necessary from the government and other respective parties," it said in a statement today.

"This is with a view towards clarifying, reaffirming and implementing our mandate as the strategic investment fund of the government of Malaysia. Towards this end, we will provide further updates in due course, as appropriate," Khazanah said.

Earlier today, Bernama reported that Dr Mahathir said Khazanah was initially formed to buy shares allocated to the Bumiputras, who would normally buy shares and sell them to others immediately.

"(But), it is quite obvious (now) they are doing all kinds of funny things, they are buying houses, they are taking over companies (which is not the original purpose Khazanah was established)," said Dr Mahathir.