Mukhriz Mahathir has today filed a lawsuit against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's press secretary Tengku Sariffuddin Tengku Ahmad for defamation.

This is in relation to four media statements issued by Tengku Sarifuddin between April 15 and 26.

The suit was filed with the High Court Kuala Lumpur civil registry through the firm of Haniff Khatri and Co.

The statements in question alleged that Mukhriz, the former Kedah menteri besar, is conspiring with his father, former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad (photo), and former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin to topple a lawful government.

Mukhriz claimed the statements suggested that he would be given the prime minister's post once Muhyiddin steps down after replacing Najib as prime minister.

The former menteri besar alleged that Tengku Sariffuddin painted a picture that Mukhriz is crazy for power and would do anything to achieve his ambition to become prime minister, including cheating which is against the democratic process.

Furthermore, Mukhriz argued that the statements suggested that he dabbled in dirty politics, acted according to the whims of his father, possessed no principles and was immoral.

Also seeking injunction

Mukhriz is seeking general, aggravated and exemplary damages to be assessed by the court.

He is also seeking an injunction against Tengku Sariffuddin barring him from issuing any similar media statements.

Malaysiakini has contacted Tengku Sariffuddin for comment.

On April 15, Tengku Sariffuddin said Mahathir should be held responsible for the damage inflicted on Malaysia's reputation and criticised the Western media for allowing themselves to be used by those with a political agenda.

"Mahathir's lies were motivated by personal interest, not out of care for Malaysia or the people.

"It was an attempt to use deception to unseat a democratically-elected government, just to save the political career of Mahathir's son, Mukhriz," he had said.

Eleven days later in a press statement, Tengku Sariffuddin claimed that Mahathir had for years tried to prop up his son, but blamed Najib when Mukhriz was unsuccessful.