Assets feud: Dr M claims Anwar accused of cronyism when DPM

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his predecessor Dr Mahathir Mohamad continue to trade barbs over the issue of assets despite a legal suit pending in court.

Mahathir asked Anwar to declare how much he was worth when he served as his deputy prime minister from 1993 to 1998, claiming the latter was among the “past leaders” accused of cronyism.

He was responding to Anwar reiterating his call on Mahathir to reveal how much the nonagenarian and his family are worth, which is now the subject of an RM150 million defamation suit.

Expressing puzzlement over Anwar’s actions, Mahathir said: “Apparently, leaders of the past enriched themselves through corruption and he (Anwar) has dozens of boxes (of evidence). If so, reveal them and charge (these leaders).”

Instead of hauling these leaders to court, Mahathir said the prime minister is asking them to declare their assets and to use their personal wealth to aid the poor.

“Anwar is one of those past leaders accused of helping cronies.

“Reveal your wealth when you were deputy prime minister and help the people with your own money, not government funds,” he added on Twitter this evening.

Since Anwar claimed to have knowledge of his wealth, Mahathir said there is no need for him to make a public declaration.

“Show the evidence in court and the public will know how much I am worth. There is no need for me to declare, but Anwar must declare,” he added.

Prior to the last general election, Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan chairperson, declared a net asset of RM11.18 million.

He declared RM828,667.83 in cash assets and RM10.35 million in real estate properties.

Mahathir, 97, and Anwar, 75, have been embroiled in a bitter feud spanning more than two decades ever since the former sacked the latter in 1998.

There was a brief hiatus when the pair joined hands in the 2018 general election to oust then-prime minister, Najib Abdul Razak. - Mkini