Lobbying suit: Dr M claims Zahid met him 5 times between 2018-2020

 

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has claimed that Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi met him five times between 2018 and 2020.

He revealed this in a court affidavit, responding to Zahid's defamation suit against him for claiming that the latter had tried to lobby the nonagenarian to escape jail time.

In his affidavit filed today, Mahathir said Zahid had met him on June 7, 2018, Sept 13, 2018, and once a day from Feb 23 to Feb 25, 2020.

He said Zahid had expressed concern over his court cases during those meetings.

Mahathir had during a press conference on Feb 23 this year, claimed that Zahid had met him to try and get on his good side as the latter anticipated being jailed for corruption.

He said during the press conference that the meeting took place when there was a "possibility" he might become prime minister.

Remarks factual

Zahid, in his statement of claim, denied ever meeting the Pejuang chairperson to discuss his court cases or any action by enforcement agencies prior to Mahathir becoming the premier.

Mahathir in his affidavit, however, clarified that he was referring to the meeting on Feb 23, 2020 in the midst of the Sheraton Move, when it was unclear whether he would remain as prime minister, but there was a possibility he might.

As such, he said all his remarks are factual.

He also attached excerpts of his daily schedule on the five days mentioned to prove that Zahid had met him on those days.

Mahathir wants the court to dismiss Zahid's suit. - Mkini