Malaysian PM Anwar, police chief sued over calling out alleged plot to overthrow government
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The lawsuit sought to challenge what it called “abuse of power” by Prime Minister Anwar, Police Inspector-General Mohd Khalid Ismail and the government.
PHOTO: REUTERS
KUALA LUMPUR – The family of Malaysia’s influential former finance minister filed a lawsuit on March 6 against the country’s prime minister, chief of police and government to halt what they said were false claims of a plot to overthrow the government
A week ago, the police announced an investigation into an alleged conspiracy to “topple the government and sabotage national stability”, which they said involved a local influential figure and a global media agency.
Neither Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim nor the police have identified the suspect or the firm.
The family of Tun Daim Zainuddin, an influential two-time finance minister who died in November 2024, said in a statement on March 6 it was “public knowledge” that the investigation targeted his widow Na’imah Abdul Khalid and their sons.
An unverified copy of a police report circulating online accused Ms Na’imah of plotting to overthrow the government.
In a statement last week, she denied wrongdoing and questioned whether consulting a public relations firm could qualify as an attempt to topple a government.
The family said the lawsuit sought to challenge what it called “abuse of power” by Datuk Seri Anwar, Inspector-General of Police Mohd Khalid Ismail and the government, and for the court to declare that the probe is unlawful and tainted with bad faith.
Mr Anwar’s office, the police and the Attorney-General’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The police said last week that the investigation was being carried out under laws against undermining parliamentary democracy, which carries a maximum jail term of 20 years.
Mr Daim was a long-time ally of former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad. Mr Anwar and Tun Dr Mahathir have been locked in an on-off rivalry that has shaped Malaysia’s politics for decades.
Prior to his death in 2024, Mr Daim had been the subject of a corruption probe looking into figures suspected of holding undeclared wealth. He denied wrongdoing, saying the charges were part of a political vendetta by Mr Anwar. REUTERS
