Dr Mahathir Mohamad's former press secretary Matthias Chang has challenged former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim to prove the accusations he made against Mahathir and his administration during his interview on BBC on Tuesday.

"Anwar must provide evidence to back his claims. If he cannot do so, he should shut up and apologise to Malaysians," he said in a report carried by Oriental Daily News today.

In the news story, Chang called Anwar a 'liar' and said that his (Anwar's) allegations against Mahathir were out of this world which many could not stomach.

He said he decided to speak out on the matter as a concerned citizen and that no one has instructed him to do so.

Chang challenged Anwar to provide evidence on the following:

  • That Dr Mahathir interferes in the current administration which makes the cabinet a puppet.
  • That in the last general election, the BN government won it through dirty tactics.
  • That Dr Mahathir owns 70% shares of TV3.
  • That Dr Mahathir was involved in corruption cases

Debate challenge

Chang also said he was willing to debate with Anwar on the allegations at any time provided the former deputy premier was prepared to furnish the evidence.

He revealed that Mahathir has consulted his lawyers on possible action against Anwar.

Chang also expressed surprise that not a single Barisan Nasional MP has come out to rebut the allegations Anwar made against Mahathir.

Mahathir had accused his former protege-turned-nemesis Anwar of slandering him during an interview with BBC's Hardtalk programme on Tuesday.

Anwar defended his statement and denied that he had made a false claim that Mahathir owned 70 percent equity in the New Straits Times and private television station TV3.