This month commences the six-day trial (August 13, 14, and from August 18 to 21) pertaining to Mahathir's RM150 million defamation suit against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Mahathir contended that Anwar had defamed him by asserting that he engaged in self-enrichment, along with his family members, throughout his 22-year term as prime minister.
Anwar cited Mahathir's past decisions (1981-2003 and 2018-2020) as prime minister that benefited his business associates. Anwar appears confident in his ‘reasonable’ grounds to believe that Mahathir leveraged his position. Consequently, he challenged “corrupt” leaders to return billions in allegedly stolen assets, asserting that some possess assets valued at RM4 billion while others hold RM1.2 billion, before demanding his resignation in July, despite their vocal advocacy for "defending the Malays."
Anwar also sought to publicize allegations of Mahathir's corruption during a visit to Jakarta. In an interview with prominent Indonesian journalist Najwa Shihab, he remarked on the extraordinary wealth accumulated by Mahathir's children, urging them to repatriate a portion of these assets to the nation if evidence of misappropriation were to surface. A closer examination of Anwar's public address would likely reveal the presence of terms—"if" and "RM4 billion" figure—within accusations directed at Mahathir.
Quotations from Anwar's public addresses include:
“But if it's debt for plunder, this is what we are fighting now. One leader, son, has RM1.2 billion, another one, his family, RM4 billion. But when we take action, "Anwar is vengeful", "Anwar doesn't care about the elderly". I don't care about anyone, I want the money taken from the people to be returned” (PMO, July 27, 2025).
"But if they themselves admit — not as an accusation but as a declaration — that 'I (Mahathir) or my son own RM1.2 billion, and another one RM4 billion', then the money must be returned” (NST, July 30, 2025).
"Brother, I want to tell you again, I have a mandate. All money stolen from the country, from the people, must be returned to the country. I will not compromise on that. Come what may, I will not compromise. If there is proof, you took RM1 billion, your child RM1 billion, your family RM4 billion — you pay it back" (PMO, August 2, 2025).
"One person RM1 billion, another RM2 billion. One family RM4 billion. That's just one of his children detected with RM1 billion, or RM1.8 billion. 'I (Mahathir) have no money,' so people say (Anwar) 'revenge.' No, brothers and sisters, what revenge?” (PMO, August 9, 2025).
Earlier this year, Free Malaysia Today (FMT) reported that the MACC expressed satisfaction with Mokhzani and Mirzan's asset declarations. MACC chief Azam Baki stated that Mokhzani Mahathir declared assets totaling approximately RM1 billion, while his brother, Mirzan, declared assets valued at RM246.2 million.
Several factors suggest Mahathir's strong position in the civil suit:
- No Illegitimate Source Claim: Technically, Azam Baki has never claimed the money came from illegitimate sources.
- Unstated RM4 Billion Figure: The MACC has not explicitly stated a figure of RM4 billion.
- Conditional Language: The conditional term "if," employed by Anwar, indicates mere conjecture rather than definitive evidence.
- Lack of Prosecution: It is notable that Mahathir's sons have not been prosecuted by the MACC on corruption charges.
Anwar's public statements have aimed to persuade the public of Mahathir's alleged corruption by propagating a narrative of 'abuse of power' during his 22-year tenure as prime minister. He recognizes that the deadline has arrived, compelling him to address in court the accusations leveled against Mahathir since 1998. However, he has not presented any single piece of evidence, only accusations.
In 2011, Mukhriz Mahathir stated, "While serving as Prime Minister, my father did not have the opportunity to disclose these events, and now that my father has retired, it presents an opportune moment to elucidate the complete narrative."
Anwar, however, opted against substantiating the claim, instead attempting to incite public resentment towards Mahathir, a resentment stemming from his dismissal. This context, coupled with historical remarks such as Justice Ariffin Jaka's past statement that Anwar Ibrahim is an arrogant and boastful individual, suggests a personal dimension to the public discourse.
Regrettably, "until August" has arrived, a month that may signify the culmination of over two decades of unsubstantiated accusations against Mahathir. Consequently, Mahathir's RM150 Million Civil Suit looks like a win.
Amir Al Fateh (malaydigest@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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