Anwar issues second letter of demand to Pendang MP

Anwar Ibrahim has sent a second letter of demand to Pendang MP Awang Hashim over a statement that allegedly questioned the legitimacy of the former’s appointment as prime minister.

In a legal letter issued earlier today, the Tambun MP claimed that the PAS lawmaker defamed him in a statement to the media three days ago.

The Pakatan Harapan chairperson’s counsel Sankara Nair today confirmed the issuance of the letter of demand.

Awang declined to comment on the matter when contacted this afternoon.

Two days ago, the PKR president sent out the first letter of demand to the Perikatan Nasional member over a different allegation, namely that the former was purportedly more vindictive than former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

According to the second legal letter, Anwar claimed Awang made a statement implying the former did not have the majority to be appointed prime minister by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as well as deceived the public as well as His Majesty regarding the former’s majority support, among other claims.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, claimed that the statement constituted an “affront” on the institution of the Malay Rulers for allegedly questioning the Agong’s wisdom in appointing the former as premier on Nov 24 last year.

Anwar’s second letter contained several demands, among them for the immediate and unequivocal retraction of the impugned words and/or TikTok video (allegedly containing the allegation) and/or article (allegedly containing the allegation).

Anwar also seeks an apology in terms to be approved by his legal team and published in newspapers or any media of his choice.

The politician seeks an undertaking for Awang not to repeat the allegation, “substantive” damages as well as payment of all legal costs.

Anwar also gave Awang three days from the receipt of the letter to give a “satisfactory reply”, otherwise legal proceedings against the latter would be instituted.

Anwar sends letter of demand to Pendang MP

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