Anwar to answer allegations in court, says Dr M’s lawyer

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has decided to have his day in court to answer allegations against Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, say the former premier's lawyers.

"After the two-week request ended yesterday (April 17), Merss Thomas Philips had responded to the demand letter from Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"The letter in reply merely denied all claims without any evidence or proof given with the excuse that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will answer the claims in court," Dr Mahathir's lawyer Rafique Rashid said in a statement issued by the Law Practice of Rafique on Tuesday (April 18).

Rafique said that he has been given instructions to proceed with the legal suit against Anwar.

“Based on the reply from Anwar’s lawyer, Dr Mahathir has instructed our law firm to proceed with legal action against Anwar," he added.

He also said the public would be kept informed of further developments once the court papers are filed.

On March 27, Dr Mahathir demanded Anwar retract his allegations that he had amassed wealth during his 22-year tenure as prime minister to enrich his family.

Anwar was given seven days to respond but on April 4, Rafique said that the prime minister's lawyer had requested for an extension of time till April 17.

Anwar was said to have made the claims during a PKR congress last month, saying that someone who was in power for 22 years and 22 months amassed wealth for his family.

Although Anwar did not mention any names, Dr Mahathir's lawyer said that the references were clearly directed at their client.