In a letter of demand, the former prime minister also asked Zahid to admit that he had lied in making such claims and refrain from issuing similar statements relating to his “reputation, integrity and credibility”.
Mahathir’s lawyer, Rafique Rashid Ali, said Zahid must issue the apology and admit that he had lied at a press conference attended by both the mainstream media and portals.
Rafique said Mahathir was also demanding a written apology, to be visibly posted on the deputy prime minister’s official social media accounts for at least 30 days.
“Zahid has to apologise in seven days, failing which we reserve the right to take legal action,” Rafique said in a statement.
Earlier today, Zahid denied accusing Mahathir of refusing to sign the documents, saying he had never mentioned the former leader by name.
“When I was asked by a reporter, I only said an individual,” he told reporters in Tapah.
Mahathir previously said he had released his trustee responsibilities over a 9,723 sq m plot of land in Kuala Lumpur to the party in 2015.
He also said that Umno’s filing of an originating summons seeking a court declaration to transfer ownership of the land to the party did not involve him. The Seri Pacific Hotel is located on the land.
Mahathir said the originating summons filed by Umno’s executive secretary, Sumali Reduan, on March 6 had named the federal territories land and mines department as the defendant, not him.
Earlier this month, Zahid said that an individual, whom he did not name, had not signed the documents to release his trustee responsibilities over party assets, although others had done so.
The land – Grant 78154, Lot 40, Section 51, Kuala Lumpur – was registered under the names of four trustees: Mahathir, Musa Hitam, the late Daim Zainuddin, and the late Sanusi Junid, pursuant to Clause 27.1 of the Umno constitution and Section 9 of the Societies Act 1966.
Last week, Mahathir threatened to sue Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi over a statement on social media calling for the two-time prime minister to return the party’s assets.
A notice of demand was issued over the statement Puad made on April 12, saying the deletion of the said writing and/or publication without any apology to Mahathir would be insufficient.