Anwar is a ‘pathological liar’, Dr Mahathir tells court
Dr Mahathir claimed that Anwar possessed an extraordinary ability to lie and has been spreading slander against him for 27 years.
SHAH ALAM - Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad claims Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been spreading defamatory accusations against him for nearly three decades, describing him as a “pathological liar” who would deceive for power and position.
Dr Mahathir told the High Court in Shah Alam that Anwar possessed an extraordinary ability to lie and has been spreading slander against him for 27 years.
He made the statement in his witness testimony during the hearing of his defamation suit related to Anwar’s speech at the Special Malaysia Madani National Congress: The Implementation of an Idealism on March 18, 2023.
In a 54-page document, Dr Mahathir, who turned 100 in July, alleged that Anwar had levelled defamatory claims against him since 1998.
“Anwar is a ‘pathological liar’, who has an extraordinary ability to lie and will do so for the sake of position and power.
“He accused me of being cruel, a dictator, of using cronies, enriching my children and using the police to arrest people.
“Anwar also said that I had caused damage and such statements have tarnished my reputation as a political figure.
“Previously, Anwar claimed he was ready to present evidence to substantiate those statements, but since November 2022 and later in May 2023, none have been shown,” he said.
Dr Mahathir said Anwar failed to provide proof that he had misappropriated funds, amassed billions in asset or favoured his family and cronies through project allocations.
He noted that Anwar’s behaviour was very different when they were colleagues in the Cabinet, including in 2018 when Anwar sought his assistance to win the Port Dickson by-election.
Although he initially ignored the accusations as Anwar held no power at the time, Dr Mahathir decided to pursue legal action after Anwar was appointed Prime Minister in late November 2022.
He explained that his decision was made because a Prime Minister has the power to access evidence through government agencies such as the police, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and Attorney-General’s Chambers.
Dr Mahathir filed the RM150 million defamation suit on May 3, 2023 through the firm Law Practice of Rafique, naming Anwar as the sole defendant.
He claimed that Anwar made defamatory remarks implying he had accumulated wealth for his children and provided special privileges to high-ranking individuals — statements he described as false and damaging to his image as a statesman.
In response, Anwar, who is also the PKR president, filed a defence statement on June 14, 2023, arguing that Dr Mahathir’s lawsuit was meant to undermine his credibility as Prime Minister and to create racial tension ahead of the state elections.
He said the Certificate of Urgency filed by Dr Mahathir stated that the case should be resolved swiftly as six states, including Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah, were preparing to dissolve their assemblies for elections.
Anwar also raised the issue of a direct contract awarded to Opcom Sdn Bhd, where Dr Mahathir’s son, Datuk Seri Mukhriz, served as a director between 1994 and 2009.
The proceedings before Judicial Commissioner Datuk Donald Joseph Franklin will resume this Thursday.
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