KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been urged to retract claims that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had amassed wealth to enrich his family while in power, or he will face a suit from the latter.
Speaking during a press conference in Putrajaya earlier today, Mahathir said he will pursue legal action should Anwar fail to respond within seven days to the letter dated March 27.
“The accusations are terrible and give the impression that I stole and misappropriated monies, failed to pay taxes, am a cheat, and so on.
“His (Anwar’s) speech was clearly referring to me and not anyone else as I was in power for 22 years and 22 months,” he said, adding that Anwar’s claim has portrayed him in a negative light..
Mahathir’s response comes after Anwar had indirectly castigated the former during the recently held PKR Congress.
Despite not naming the veteran statesman, Anwar had alluded to the time when Mahathir had led the Pakatan Harapan government.
“It is slanderous unless Anwar can prove that I received billions of ringgit, funnelled it overseas and failed to pay taxes.
“Since he is the prime minister, it is upon him not to make accusations without proof,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mahathir’s lawyer, Rafique Rashid, shared the letter of demand to the members of the media which has since been sent to Anwar.
Among others, the letter cited several news reports in relation to Anwar’s speech at the PKR Congress. – The Vibes, March 28, 2023
