AGC to represent Dr M in Halim Saad's suit involving UEM, Renong

PETALING JAYA: Former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad will be represented by the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) in a lawsuit filed by Tan Sri Halim Saad over the government's takeover of United Engineers Malaysia (UEM) Bhd and Renong Bhd in 2001.

The matter was briefly confirmed by Dr Mahathir's lawyer Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali when contacted.

"The AGC will be acting for all three defendants. We will also be writing in to be allowed to hold a watching brief for Tun. So it's confirmed," Muhammad Rafique told The Star on Wednesday (Aug 23).

On Aug 2, Halim filed the lawsuit at the High Court registry through Messrs Malik Sarwar.

The 70-year-old tycoon named Dr Mahathir and former finance minister II Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, and the government as the first, second and third defendants, respectively.

In the statement of claim, Halim said the government made a compulsory acquisition by virtue of Khazanah Nasional Bhd effecting a take-over of UEM between July and October 2001, which resulted in Halim's Renong shares being devalued.

He also claimed that Dr Mahathir and Nor Mohamed were prime movers in the said compulsory acquisition and deprivation in 2001.

Halim said he complied with Dr Mahathir's directions as the then prime minister and finance minister at the time.

He is seeking unspecified compensation from the government or general damages to be assessed by the courts, as well as exemplary and aggravated damages, interests, costs and other reliefs deemed fit by the court.

The lawsuit is fixed for case management on Sept 13.