SHAH ALAM (May 17): Messrs Thomas Philip Advocates and Solicitors on Wednesday (May 17) officially entered an appearance at the High Court here in representing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his defence over the suit filed by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The firm wrote in to High Court senior assistant registrar Elizabeth Low to confirm it would be representing Anwar who is also Tambun Member of Parliament.

Wednesday (May 17) is supposed to be the final date for Anwar’s lawyers to enter an appearance.

Aliff Benjamin Suhaimi from Messrs Thomas Philip confirmed with The Edge that the document had been sent and a copy to Dr Mahathir's solicitor.

Earlier this month, Dr Mahathir through his lawyers Rafique Rashid Ali had filed a RM150 million suit against Anwar, who allegedly made the defamatory comments in a speech during PKR's congress on March 18 on the former PM.

Dr Mahathir is seeking RM50 million in general damages and exemplary damages of RM100 million, along with a public apology from the Pakatan Harapan chairman over the comments made and an undertaking not to repeat the same or similar statements.

In his statement of claim, the 97-year-old politician alleged Anwar’s statement in alleging his family’s purported amassed wealth were for the purpose of creating various bad perceptions against him and it was out to tarnish his image as a statesman and a former PM who has a reputation as a politician and a leader, and respected throughout Malaysia and the world.

Besides the suit, Rafique also filed a certificate of urgency for the matter to be heard due to the impending state elections in six states.

The High Court has fixed May 31 for case management of the matter.

In response, Anwar said he would leave it to his lawyers to respond to the suit.

Also read:
Mahathir commences RM150 mil legal action on Anwar
Dr M’s defamation suit : Anwar leaves it to his lawyers to handle