Dr Mahathir Mohamad has given Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim until next Monday to respond to his legal letter after the latter’s lawyers asked for an extension.
In a statement today, Law Practice of Rafique, which is representing the former premier, said Mahathir had no objections to the request.
The firm added that its client also reserved his rights in the present claim.
Anwar is represented by the legal firm Thomas Philip.
In his letter of demand, dated March 27, Mahathir gave Anwar until yesterday (April 3) to prove his claim that the former premier had amassed wealth to enrich himself when he was in power or face legal action.
Mahathir had referred to Anwar’s remarks in his policy speech at the PKR special national congress 2023 on March 18.
Though Anwar did not mention names, he had referred to a person who “after 22 years and 22 months of being in power, is lamenting about Malays losing everything, losing assets, shares”.
“When you lose power, when challenged, when you are fearful of MACC and the Inland Revenue Board coming down hard… you are worth billions (but) you don’t pay your taxes, you move your wealth abroad. What sort of prime minister should I be then?” he had said.
Mahathir claimed this was a clear reference to him as media reports on the speech had mentioned his name.
The former premier, who would turn 98 this year, has been on the warpath against Anwar, claiming that the prime minister is behind the cancellation of a gathering on Malay rights.
In last November’s national polls, Mahathir was decimated in his bid to defend the Langkawi seat, his former stronghold in his home state of Kedah. - Mkini
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