A man who says he was sexually abused as a child by late National Party Cabinet minister Anthony ‘Aussie’ Malcolm is calling for police to prosecute the person who “enabled” the abuse.
Warning: This story contains details which may be distressing to some readers.
The man, who wished to remain anonymous, was just nine years old at the time of the alleged abuse.
“I was molested multiple times,” he told 1News.
“I kind of froze most of the time. I hated every second of it but I just didn’t know what to do.”
But he said Malcolm’s death on September 11, at the age of 83, is not the end of the matter.
He called on police to prosecute another person who he claims “enabled” the abuse.
“I was sent there by a person who I believe did it for money,” he said.
“Aussie was a very rich man and the person who sent me was always in his pocket. Aussie would give him money for things.”
Historic abuse allegations
Malcolm entered Parliament as a member of “Rob’s Mob” in the National Party landslide victory led by Robert Muldoon in 1975.
He served three terms, holding Cabinet portfolios in Health and Immigration, among others.
Malcolm remained in public life after politics, becoming the the country’s first America’s Cup campaign director. He also set up an immigration consultancy and spoke to the media on immigration issues.
He faced allegations of sexual abuse in the past.
Last week, police confirmed they investigated a claim of sexual abuse against the late politician from 1992. Outgoing Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said it “led to the conclusion that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with a charge”.
“There have been two other active investigations under way from more recent times.”
Since then, police have announced an official review of historical complaints against him, with the review to be led by a detective superintendent. The terms of reference have yet to be confirmed. Police now say they are dealing with four complaints.
Calls for ‘justice’
For the complainant who spoke to 1News, it’s important that the review include an investigation into those who helped Malcolm.
“I can’t have justice for Aussie, and the rest of us can’t, but we can have justice for those who provided us to Aussie.”
He said he has been able to move on with his life after he was “rescued” from Malcolm.
“There was someone in my life who took me away from him, saved me from him.”
He’s had further support ever since.
“I’m in therapy. I’ve had a lot of anger management issues but I’ve also had help with it.”
Police said they want to hear from any complainants.
One man who believes there may be several more to be uncovered is private investigator Clinton Bowerman.
“I’m not going to put a limit on it but I would say at least six. That includes way back in the ’80s to about 2013,” he said.
He said his information came directly from complainants and their families.
1News approached Malcolm’s family for comment, and went to the Northland business Dive! Tutukaka, which he co-founded in 1999 and which other family members were involved in.
In a statement, the business told 1News Malcom “ceased as a director and shareholder of the company in 2012”.
It added: “The company is saddened to learn of the allegations, and its thoughts are with those concerned and their supporters.”
