KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 ― Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim regarded as "totally absurd” the term "zalim” (cruel) used by Pendang Member of Parliament Datuk Awang Solahuddin Hashim in describing him and comparing him to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman claimed that the action by Awang Solahuddin was driven by malice and that all references to Dr Mahathir were totally irrelevant and should not have been made.

"In doing so, the defendant has raised aggravating circumstances in this suit against me and I shall be entitled to substantial aggravated damages,” said Anwar in his reply to the defence statement that was filed yesterday (May 30).

According to the minister of finance, the comparison made by the defendant is untenable.

Anwar also insisted that the investigation and prosecution by the enforcement agency were fair, independent and impartial without fear or favouritism and that he had never interfered in the matter. ― Bernama