KUALA LUMPUR – Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has accepted a legal challenge mounted by former inspector-general of police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar over a statement the politician made last month.
On his official Facebook page, Dr Mahathir said he has received a letter of demand from Khalid’s legal team.
“I’ve instructed my lawyers to respond to it. I will see him in court.”
On Sunday, Khalid reportedly gave Dr Mahathir seven days to issue a public apology over the latter’s statement aired on a news portal.
Khalid said Dr Mahathir’s statement is untrue, and has tarnished his reputation as former top cop.
I’ve received the letter of demand from Ex-IGP Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar. I’ve instructed my lawyers to respond to it. I will see him in court. Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad 4th May 2021
Posted by Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad on Tuesday, May 4, 2021
On April 22, he had instructed his lawyers from Gunaseharan & Linda to issue a letter of demand to the Langkawi MP to make the apology on the news portal and his social media accounts.
Khalid is also seeking RM10 million in damages if the former prime minister fails to make the apology.
Dr Mahathir in his statement had, among others, alleged that Khalid had leaked information to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, affectively hampering legal action against Najib over graft allegations.
He made the revelation in an article published on April 16, when explaining his discussions with Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz when she was Bank Negara Malaysia governor. – The Vibes, May 4, 2021
