Assets allegation on loop - Dr M tells ‘mat retorik’ to furnish proof

Dr Mahathir Mohamad has reiterated his challenge to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to prove that he had abused his power to enrich himself and his kin instead of indulging in rhetoric.

It appears that a pending RM150 million defamation suit on the matter has failed to dissuade the pair from trading barbs over this issue.

Responding to Anwar’s latest remarks on the matter, Mahathir said it is common knowledge that he had declared his assets “several times”.

In 2018, Mahathir, who became prime minister for the second time after leading Pakatan Harapan to victory in the 14th general election, declared his assets at RM32.5 million.

This placed him in second position among the then Pakatan Harapan lawmakers after DAP lawmaker Ngeh Khoo Ham, who topped the list with assets amounting to RM75.81 million.

Taking to Twitter this evening, Mahathir said he had no qualms with declaring his assets because there was “nothing to hide”.

“The problem is that Anwar has repeatedly accused me of misusing my position as prime minister to amass wealth for myself and my family.

“I am accused of having billions of ringgit, planes and ships. Apparently, everyone knows this.

“I asked for proof… failing which, I would take legal action. I have taken legal action, but he has not shown proof but continues to make allegations against me,” he added.

Mahathir said Anwar has instead asked him to furnish proof that he did not abuse his position for personal financial gains.

“He made the allegation but he wants me to show evidence. I am repeating this again - show evidence that I abused my powers to enrich myself and my family.

“Anyone is capable of speaking on a political stage without providing evidence. These people are called ‘mat retorik’ (those who churn out rhetoric),” he added.

‘What proof?’

On Saturday, Anwar had brushed aside Mahathir’s previous call on him to back his allegation.

“What proof? Everyone knows it. It's like trying to make a wet string upright,” the prime minister was quoted as saying by Malay Mail.

Anwar also claimed that his predecessor’s wealth is an open secret and his family is known to be worth billions of ringgit as well as own aircraft, ships and companies.

Responding to Mahathir’s challenge to declare his assets, the prime minister said he had no reservations in doing so and pointed out that he revealed the details before the last general election.

“I have no problem. I am one of the few who have declared, the one that has not is him (Mahathir),” he said.

Anwar had declared assets worth RM11.17 million, which included a house and three plots of land.

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