Dr M claims Anwar accused of helping cronies, challenges him to declare his wealth

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was accused of helping his cronies when he was in the Cabinet in the 1990s, claims former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) chairman also said that the Prime Minister must present evidence in court if he was adamant that past leaders were enriching themselves.

"It was said that many leaders in the past were rich due to corruption and he (Anwar) claimed to have boxes of evidence.

"If there are, reveal them and charge them in court.

"But no, it was also said that veteran leaders should declare their wealth and help the poor,” he said on Twitter.

Dr Mahathir challenged Anwar to reveal the wealth he had amassed during the latter’s stint as deputy prime minister and finance minister.

"Then, help the rakyat with your own money, not the government’s money," Dr Mahathir said.

He also called on Anwar to provide evidence in court that he had enriched himself, so he did not need to declare his wealth.

"Anwar must provide the evidence of my wealth. With that, the whole world will know about my wealth.

"I don’t have to declare it myself," he added.

Dr Mahathir has recently filed a RM150mil defamation suit against Anwar over a speech he made at a PKR gathering in March.

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

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.