At a press conference here today, Mahathir, the country’s longest-serving prime minister, said Anwar made the allegation during PKR’s congress earlier this month.

“If he does not retract the statement within seven days, I will take the necessary action against him,” he said.

At the PKR congress, Anwar took a veiled jab at Mahathir, claiming he had enriched his family when he was in power.

Though he did not mention Mahathir by name, Anwar alluded to the time when his former ally led the government.

Mahathir said Anwar’s claim portrayed him in a negative light.

“This is slander unless he can provide proof that I received billions of ringgit and sent it abroad, and that I don’t pay taxes,” he said.

“Now he is the prime minister and it is incumbent on him not to make accusations without proof.”

Mahathir’s lawyer, Rafique Rashid, said a letter of demand has been sent to Anwar.

Mahathir also said Anwar’s claims over the “Malay Proclamation” event which he was supposed to attend was aimed at sabotaging it.

“It is clear that he was trying to block (the organisation) of our event,” he said.

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