Mahathir files RM150 million defamation suit against Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has filed a RM150 million defamation suit against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim over the latter's speech at a special congress in March.

Dr Mahathir, who is also a former prime minister, filed the suit through Messrs Law Practice of Rafique at the Shah Alam High Court on May 3 and named Anwar as the sole defendant.

In his statement of claims, Dr Mahathir claimed that during the event dubbed "Kongres Nasional Khas Malaysia Madani: Pelaksanaan Sebuah Idealisme" held at the Melawati Stadium in Shah Alam on March 18, Anwar had delivered a speech which contained several defamatory statements that aimed to tarnish the plaintiff's reputation.

Dr Mahathir said this includes the statements that the plaintiff has amassed wealth for himself, his children and family members, and has given special treatment or priority to high-ranking individuals.

He claimed that the statements were untrue and had tarnished his image as a statesman and a two-time prime minister.

Dr Mahathir is seeking RM50 million in general damage and RM100 million in exemplary damage, as well as an apology and an order for the defendant to immediately retract all the defamatory remarks.

He said this was because the event was broadcast on Facebook live via the account "Anwar Ibrahim" and PKR's YouTube channel and that the video clips and media reports on the event had also been widely circulated on various social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok dan YouTube.

Case management is set for May 31.

-- BERNAMA