Former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has issued a legal threat against Umno Supreme Council member and Rengit assemblyman Puad Zarkashi over a recent statement alleging that Mahathir should return assets belonging to the party. Through his lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali, Mahathir has demanded an immediate and unconditional apology within seven days, failing which legal action will be taken.
The statement in question was made by Puad on April 12 but has since been removed from his social media platforms. However, Mahathir's legal team insists that deletion alone is not enough to rectify the situation. In a formal notice of demand, Rafique outlined that Puad must publicly admit his statement was incorrect and hold a press conference at Umno’s headquarters to make that declaration.
According to Rafique, Puad must clearly state that his accusation of breach of trust against Mahathir was false and baseless. Additionally, he must issue a formal apology and provide an undertaking to refrain from making any further defamatory remarks against the former prime minister.
Mahathir, who once served as Umno president, is also demanding that the apology and the public statement be made to his satisfaction, with the process completed within a week. If Puad fails to comply, Mahathir reserves the right to pursue legal action not only against Puad but also any other individuals or parties connected to the matter.
The controversy stems from ongoing disputes regarding a 9,723 square meter parcel of land in Kuala Lumpur, where the Seri Pacific Hotel is located. Mahathir has earlier clarified that he had relinquished his trustee responsibilities over the property back in 2015. The land is tied to Umno assets and was originally held in trust by four individuals: Mahathir, Musa Hitam, the late Daim Zainuddin, and the late Sanusi Junid.
Umno recently filed an originating summons to seek legal recognition of the land transfer, though Mahathir pointed out he was not named as a party in the legal documents. Instead, the federal territories land and mines department was listed as the defendant.
Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi hinted that one trustee had yet to sign over the property, though he stopped short of naming anyone directly.
Information Source: FMT
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