Mahathir to take Anwar to court over claim on family wealth

Dr Mahathir Mohamad will proceed with legal action against Anwar Ibrahim over the prime minister's claim of Mahathir having amassed wealth for himself and his family members, the former leader's lawyer said today. 

Rafique Rashid said a response to Mahathir's letter of demand had been received from Anwar's lawyers on April 17. 

"The letter merely denied all claims without providing evidence, on the grounds that Anwar would answer these in court," he said. 

"In light of this response, Mahathir has instructed our law firm to pursue further legal action against Anwar." 

Mahathir said on March 28 that he would give Anwar seven days to retract the remarks, made at a PKR event. 

It is understood that this was later extended to two weeks.

Anwar, in his presidential address at the event, had made a veiled jibe at Mahathir after the former prime minister accused him of trying to silence dissent. 

In his speech, Anwar said among others that a "certain person" who had led the country "for 22 years plus 22 months" was now talking about the plight of the Malays.

"How would they not if you monopolised them for yourself, your family and your children? Now that you've lost power, you talk about the masses," Anwar had said.

Mahathir, who described the remarks as slander, said the prime minister should not make such comments without clear proof.