Dr M files RM150mil defamation suit against Anwar over wealth claim

KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has filed a RM150mil defamation suit against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim over the latter's speech at an event in March.

The lawsuit was filed through Messrs Law Practice of Rafique at the Shah Alam High Court registry on Wednesday (May 3).

According to the statement of claim, Anwar allegedly made a slanderous speech at a programme called "Kongres Nasional Khas Malaysia Madani: Pelaksanaan Sebuah Idealisme" at Stadium Melawati, Shah Alam on March 18.

It said the event was broadcast on Facebook live via the account "Anwar Ibrahim" and PKR's YouTube channel.

Dr Mahathir claimed that Anwar had alluded to him in the speech when referring to "a person in power for 22 years and 22 months".

The plaintiff sought for the court to take judicial notice that he had been the fourth prime minister between 1981 and 2003 (22 years) and the seventh prime minister between May 2018 and February 2020 (22 months).

He claimed that the defendant's defamatory statements had caused negative perception against him, marred his image as a statesman and a two-time prime minister, as well as his reputation as a politician and a respected leader in Malaysia and internationally.

The plaintiff also claimed that Anwar's statements meant to say that the plaintiff was racist, a scoundrel and a religious bigot.

"It is a fact that until today, the plaintiff has never been charged or sentenced over any offences involving abuse of power or misappropriation of funds during or after his service as the prime minister.

"This fact is known by the public, including the defendant," it said.

Dr Mahathir said the statements made by Anwar in his capacity as prime minister had a far more devastating effect than any other individuals in Malaysia.

The plaintiff is seeking RM50mil in general damages, RM100mil in exemplary damages, a court order for the defendant to immediately retract the statements, and an apology.

He is also seeking interest on the damages, costs and other relief deemed fit by the court.

Case management via e-review before Judicial Commissioner Jamhirah Ali has been fixed on May 31.