Dr M Labels Anwar Pathological Liar In Rm150m Defamation Suit

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Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad has called Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim “a cheat” and a “pathological liar” who has been “spewing lies” since 1998.
The centenarian said this in his witness statement tendered during the hearing of his RM150 million defamation suit against Anwar at the Shah Alam High Court today.
Mahathir detailed how Anwar’s speech at a special PKR congress in 2023 had caused him emotional and mental distress, prompting him to file the lawsuit against the PKR president.
He said the suit was filed because Anwar’s position as prime minister carries influence and weight over public opinion, a point he reiterated when testifying in court earlier today.
ADS“For 27 years, starting in 1998, Anwar has made various slanderous statements (against me) such as that I am a tyrant, a dictator, used cronies, enriched my children and used the police to arrest people. I did not care at that time because he had no power and position as prime minister.
“I say he, himself, knew all the things he said were untrue because the majority of the facts in his statements (were from) when he himself was with me in the government. If he said I was wrong, it means he, who was in the cabinet at that time, was also wrong.
“The issue of nepotism, cronyism and alleged abuse of power arose after he was fired (from the cabinet) because of his own behaviour and conduct. He is a pathological liar, with an amazing ability to deceive and will deceive for position and power,” he said.
Mahathir added that Anwar was “just lying” when he alleged that the former Langkawi MP had “embezzled wealth”, as no evidence was produced to support such claims.
PM and PKR chief Anwar IbrahimNo longer of use
The veteran politician said Anwar did not make such remarks in the past because he “had a use” for Mahathir at the time.
“Now, in his opinion, I am no longer needed because he has become the prime minister, so he chose to say bad things about me and slander me in public.
“Anwar only said such statements now as his political capital (modal politik) to cover up his weakness in leading as a prime minister.
“(I say his statements are) slander because it’s untrue and it’s an attack on me personally and tarnishes my reputation as a former prime minister and a law-abiding citizen,” Mahathir said.
At his age, Mahathir said, his main concern is his reputation, especially since he did not do what Anwar accused him of.
“Personally, I feel aggrieved and experienced mental and emotional pressure because Anwar’s statement, delivered as prime minister, would be taken seriously by the entire community in the country and abroad.
“The statement has been widely circulated (causing) many people (to) insult and humiliate me. They forget all the services I have done for the country (and) felt that I have embezzled wealth for my children, family and friends throughout my time as a prime minister.
ADS“I am ashamed because this matter is not true. It affects not only me. I demand that he (Anwar) apologise and correct the situation because he knows what he said is not true.”
The two-time former prime minister, however, does not blame Malaysians for believing Anwar, as the influence of a sitting prime minister is powerful.
He was referring to Anwar’s speech at the PKR special national congress at Melawati Stadium in Shah Alam on March 18, 2023, where Anwar, without naming anyone, mentioned “someone who had been in power for 22 years and an additional 22 months” and accused that person of amassing wealth for himself and his family.
The proceedings today before judicial commissioner Donald Joseph Franklin were cut short after Mahathir said he was unwell to continue with cross-examination.
The hearing will resume on Oct 23.
‘Suit will serve as a lesson’
Mahathir filed the suit against Anwar on May 3, 2023, claiming Anwar’s remarks were false, baseless and made to create a negative perception of him.
In his witness statement, Mahathir said the remarks referred to him as he is the only person in Malaysia to have served twice as prime minister - first for 22 years and again for 22 months.
In his statement of claim, Mahathir said the allegations “tainted (his) image as a statesperson who was the former prime minister (twice), and (his) reputation as a respected politician and leader in Malaysia and worldwide.”
He said the defamation suit should serve as a lesson to prevent leaders from making malicious statements.
Mahathir is seeking RM50 million in general damages and RM100 million in exemplary damages.
He is also seeking a written apology from Anwar, the immediate retraction of the statements, five percent annual interest on the damages from the date of filing until full payment, and any other relief deemed fit by the court. - Mkini

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