I told Kapar MP to correct his statement on alleged plot, says Anwar

(FMT) – The PKR leader says the allegation of a plot to stop him from becoming prime minister is baseless.

Incoming PKR president Anwar Ibrahim today said he had asked Kapar MP Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid to correct his claim of an alleged plot involving Putrajaya’s chief adviser Daim Zainuddin to stop him from becoming prime minister.

“I told him (Abdullah) that such allegations are baseless, and advised him to make a correction to his statement.

“I don’t know if he wants to write in or not,” Anwar told reporters after attending a lawsuit hearing at the High Court here.

Anwar was referring to Abdullah’s claim earlier this month of efforts to stop Anwar from succeeding Dr Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister.

Before the May 9 general election, Pakatan Harapan (PH) parties had agreed that Anwar would take over from Mahathir within two years.

However, Abdullah said Daim had claimed that Anwar was not suitable for the position, and should wait until Mahathir fulfils his commitments to the government.

Ijok assemblyman Dr Idris Ahmad, meanwhile, charged that Mahathir and Daim had “sponsored” some PKR leaders to destroy the party from within.

Mahathir had brushed off these claims, saying proof was needed of such allegations.

Anwar was in court today over a lawsuit against former Permatang Pauh Umno candidate Mazlan Ismail and private broadcaster TV3.

The suit came about when Mazlan, whom Anwar defeated for the Permatang Pauh seat in the 2013 general election, claimed to have received letters alleging that Anwar had paid his late lawyer Karpal Singh more than RM50 million since 2008 as legal fees and bribes to judges and prosecutors.

Karpal, who was Anwar’s lead counsel in the Sodomy 2 case, was killed in a car accident on April 17, 2014.

Anwar said at the time the statement was made, he was the opposition leader and Permatang Pauh MP. He said the allegation put him in low esteem in the eyes of the public.

He also said the statement by the defendants implied that he was a politician who lacked integrity, was of low morals and was unfit to hold public office as he offered bribes.

Anwar, who is seeking an unspecified amount in damages, costs and other relief deemed fit by the court, will return to court on Aug 24 to record a possible settlement for the suit.

His lawyer Sangeet Kaur said they were still discussing the terms of settlement between Mazlan and TV3.

However, the discussion does not involve Utusan Melayu, which was also named in the suit.