Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that he would provide the evidence that Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad requested after the prime minister claimed that the latter accumulated riches during his term as prime minister to benefit his family.
This is in reaction to the nonagenarian's recent letter of demand to the head of Pakatan Harapan, in which he also demanded that the charges be dropped.
While there is no doubt that some good came out of Dr. Mahathir's former administration, the elder statesman had also left much damage in his wake, according to Anwar, who was speaking at a discussion session with the UiTM student representatives council.
"I'm not looking to fight. However, if he requests proof, I will provide it. No issue” said, Anwar.
Regarding his next move in response to Mahathir's demand letter, a participant questioned Anwar.
According to Malay Mail, although Anwar agreed that Mahathir had helped Malaysia prosper, he insisted that the former prime minister had also hurt Malaysia, notably by fostering a negative view of Malays.
“He asserted that Malaysians are unappreciative, forgetful, and lazy. Does this really represent Malay culture? No! that's the answer," he said.
“Which race doesn't have lazy people? All races are prone to forgetting things” he claimed.
Anwar added that throughout history, the Malay people had produced brilliant thinkers and leaders.
"How can Melaka's Malays be characterized as indolent when the city was once a renowned center of international trade?
Instead, he continued, "The issue is with the way that leaders think."
The latest conflict between the two leaders began on March 18 when Anwar said that Malay authority had been eroding during the 22 years and 22 months that he had been the country's leader.
Later, Dr. Mahathir said that since no one else had served as prime minister for as long, Anwar must have been referring to him.
The 97-year-old served as premier twice, once from 1981 to 2003 and again from 2018 until February 2020.
Dr. Mahathir immediately sent Anwar a letter of demand, giving him until April 17 to repudiate or refute his allegation of enrichment or face legal action.
Anwar's attorneys announced on Tuesday that they would reply to Mahathir's letter of demand by April 17. Gobind Singh Deo, a Damansara MP for the DAP, will serve as Anwar's primary attorney.
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