Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday filed an appearance in the RM150 million defamation suit against him by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Under the law for civil action, the Harapan chairperson’s entering appearance means the defendant is going to defend himself against the legal action by the former Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) chairperson.
The Tambun MP’s counsel Alliff Benjamin Suhaimi confirmed with Malaysiakini this morning that the memorandum was filed at the High Court in Shah Alam yesterday afternoon.
The lawyer added that today they have served copies of the memorandum to Mahathir’s legal team.
Malaysiakini has reached out to the former premier’s legal team from the Law Practice of Rafique for a response on the matter.
Under civil law, Anwar has 14 days from the date of entering appearance to file his statement of defence against Mahathir’s civil suit.
On May 3, the former Langkawi MP filed a lawsuit against Anwar over claims that the ex-premier had amassed wealth for personal riches while in power.
The civil action was over the PKR president’s policy speech at the party’s special national congress on March 18.
Through the lawsuit, the plaintiff alleged, among others, that Anwar made untrue and baseless statements with the intent to create a negative perception against him.
Mahathir also claimed that the allegation had not only ruined his image and reputation but also brought shame upon himself as well as his family members,.
Mahathir contends that his children succeeded in the world of business without his intervention or any abuse of power by him as then-prime minister.
The plaintiff is seeking RM50 million in general damages and RM100 million in exemplary damages.
Mahathir is seeking a court order for Anwar to issue a written apology and for the immediate retraction of the allegations.
The plaintiff is also seeking five percent annual interest on the damages awarded to be calculated from the date of filing the civil action until full settlement of payment of compensation, costs, and any other relief the court deems fit.
The defamation suit is fixed for case management via video conference before the High Court in Shah Alam on May 31. - Mkini
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