In a series of tweets, Mahathir also reiterated his call for Anwar Ibrahim to back his latest claims.

“Anyone can talk without having any proof. These people are called ‘mat retorik’.”

On Saturday, Anwar said everyone knew Mahathir’s family owned “planes, ships and companies worth billions of ringgit”.

The former prime minister had earlier this month filed a RM150 million libel suit against Anwar over the claim. He is seeking RM50 million in general damages and another RM100 million in exemplary damages.

Mahathir alleged that the statements were made by Anwar in his capacity as the prime minister and, as such, had a far more devastating effect on him compared with similar statements made by ordinary citizens.

On a related note, Mahathir said he had no issue with declaring his wealth and assets as he had nothing to hide.

Mahathir, who served as prime minister twice, also said he had declared his wealth when he headed the government, adding that it was “public knowledge”.

“It is only an issue when Anwar accused me several times of abusing my power as prime minister to enrich myself and my family members.”