Dr M reserves right to sue Wain, Kit Siang and M’siakini.com

(Bernama) — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he reserved the right to sue two individuals and a portal newspaper for accusing him of “burning” RM100 billion on grandiose projects during his tenure as Prime Minister.

The former prime minister said his decision would depend on the outcome of the royal commission that was proposed by DAP Parliamentary leader, Lim Kit Siang, to investigate whether he had spent the money on mega projects and corrupt practices during his premiership.

“Depending upon the result of the (proposed) commission, I reserve the right to sue (writer) Barry Wain, Lim Kit Siang and Malaysiakini.com for libel for a sum to be disclosed later,” he said in his blog today.

Barry Wain, in his book “Malaysian Maverick: Mahathir Mohamad in Turbulent Times”, had estimated that Dr Mahathir had squandered up to RM100 billion in his years as prime minister.

“Barry Wain must provide documentary proof of any sum that he alleged I had burned,” the former prime minister said.

He also welcomed the suggestion by Kit Siang who yesterday called for the government to set up a royal commission to probe whether Dr Mahathir had “burnt” the money during his 22-year reign.