Dr M questions timing of Halim Saad’s legal action

PETALING JAYA: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has questioned the timing of Tan Sri Halim Saad’s legal action against him.

In a statement, Dr Mahathir said he was puzzled by the tycoon’s claim.

“Why did he not take action against me all this time, but suddenly, choose to do so as the election nears.

“It's just that this suit is a bit strange because he had also tried to sue former finance minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop and Khazanah Nasional Bhd but failed because the court threw out his case in 2013,” he said, acknowledging that he received the legal notice.

Dr Mahathir, who seemed unfazed by the suit, said that he would be answering the accusations in court through his lawyers as there was nothing to hide.

It was reported that Halim filed a lawsuit against Dr Mahathir and Nor Mohamed, seeking compensation for the financial losses he suffered in relation to the government’s takeover of UEM Bhd and Renong.

The lawsuit was filed on Aug 2 at the High Court in Kuala Lumpur.

According to Halim, his lawsuit is based on the alleged breach of his rights under the Federal Constitution's Article 8(1), Article 13(1) and Article 13(2), allegedly as a result of instructions to him from Dr Mahathir as the then premier and Nor Mohamed.