Malaysia

[UPDATED] You want proof? Brace yourself then, Anwar tells Dr Mahathir

PM responds to predecessor’s demand to retract claims on amassing wealth during tenure

Updated 3 years ago · Published on 07 Apr 2023 2:15PM

[UPDATED] You want proof? Brace yourself then, Anwar tells Dr Mahathir
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) says while there is no doubt that some good came out of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s administration previously, the elder statesman had also left much damage in his trail. – ABDUL RAZAK LATIF/The Vibes pic, April 7, 2023

by Amar Shah Mohsen

SHAH ALAM – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says he will furnish evidence demanded by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad after the prime minister claimed the latter had amassed wealth during his premiership to enrich his family.

This is in response to the nonagenarian’s letter of demand to the Pakatan Harapan chairman recently, in which he also called for the accusations to be retracted.

Speaking at a dialogue session with the UiTM student representatives council, Anwar said while there is no doubt that some good came out of Dr Mahathir’s administration previously, the elder statesman had also left much damage in his trail.

“I don’t want to fight. But if he is asking for proof, I will give proof. No problem,” he said, here, today.

Anwar was responding to a question from the floor on his view of Mahathir’s recent legal action. 

On March 27, Mahathir had issued Anwar a demand letter to retract his claims – that the former prime minister had amassed wealth to enrich his family while in power – within seven days, or face a suit. 

The letter was in reference to the PKR president’s speech at the party congress, which Mahathir said had painted him in a bad light. 

Later on April 4, Mahathir’s lawyer, Rafique Rashid, said he had received a notice from Anwar’s firm, Thomas Philip, requesting an extension to April 17 to respond to the demand letter, which was allowed. 

Meanwhile, in today’s dialogue session, Anwar also hit out at Mahathir who accused Malays of being lazy, ungrateful and forgetful – labels the former had branded as inaccurate. 

Without going into detail, Anwar noted that many great figures, thinkers and intellectuals are from among the majority race.

“How can Malays be deemed lazy when Melaka, for example, was a popular international cosmopolitan and trading hub?

“This is an issue of the leaders’ thinking,” he said. 

Anwar further pointed out that laziness and forgetfulness are not exclusive to Malays, but that all races are susceptible to such traits. – The Vibes, April 7, 2023

Related News

Opinion / 1mth

Why Bersama is not Malaysia’s best hope

Opinion / 4mth

A civilizational moment for Malaysia: From Al-Attas to Osman Bakar

Opinion / 6mth

Government Procurement Bill 2025: Evidence of government’s firm stance against corruption

Malaysia / 9mth

 PM’s claim of compliance on Sabah’s 40% share conflicts with court ruling, says Roger Chin

Malaysia / 9mth

Nation on right track towards economic objectives, say economists

Events / 10mth

Global leaders, thinkers, and advocates from across the Global South in KL for three-day conference

Spotlight

Malaysia

Najib raises objections to 80% of ex-1MDB CEO’s witness statement over hearsay

Malaysia

Tun Dr Mahathir, Siti Hasmah create ASEAN record

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Nanta Linggi to leave Parliament after five terms, may contest new Sarawak state seat

World

Typhoon Dolphin’s remnants swamp Beijing as China braces for more extreme rainfall

Malaysia

Anwar expected to leave hospital today after successful treatment

Malaysia

Husband and wife face death penalty for drug trafficking

Malaysia

Former Subang MP, Wong Chen joins Bersama

Malaysia

Malaysian dies while transiting in Bangkok to Japan (video)

You may be interested

Malaysia

Kedah MB calls on NSC to assist relocation of residents from special security zone

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Husband and wife face death penalty for drug trafficking

Malaysia

School stabbing: Male student charged with murder ordered to defend himself

Malaysia

Mid-October sitting fuels speculation over early Sarawak election

Malaysia

Anwar expected to leave hospital today after successful treatment

Malaysia

Unhealthy air spreads across Malaysia as Sarawak and Klang Valley bear brunt

Malaysia

Sarawak schools told to halt outdoor activities as haze pushes air quality into unhealthy range

Malaysia

Eight men remanded seven days over Banting plantation death