'Dr M's public attack is to weaken my credibility' claims Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR - Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says the baseless attacks made by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad were aimed at undermining his credibility and the unity government.
Anwar, the Tambun MP said this in a defense statement through his legal representatives from Messrs Thomas Philip at the Shah Alam Court in Selangor yesterday.
The Pakatan Harapan chairman said this in response to a speech delivered at a congress on March 18.
“In this regard I reserve the right to refute the baseless attacks on my character, integrity and goodwill as prime minister and the Federal Government under my leadership.
“There is no defamatory intent in the disputed statements by Dr Mahathir,” he added.
On May 3, Dr Mahathir filed a defamation lawsuit against Anwar Ibrahim, seeking RM150 million in damages.
The suit was filed through the law firm Messrs Law Practice of Rafique at the Shah Alam High Court, with Anwar being named as the sole defendant.
In the statement accompanying the lawsuit, Dr Mahathir alleged that Anwar had made multiple defamatory statements with the intention of tarnishing his reputation and bringing him down.
Dr Mahathir in the statement claimed Anwar had issued several defamatory statements intended to brin down his reputation.
He said among them was the statement that the plaintiff allegedly "hoarded" property for his children and his family in addition to giving special treatment or prioritising high-ranking individuals.
Dr. Mahathir said that the statements made by Anwar were false and had impacted his image as a former prime minister.
