PETALING JAYA: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad stands by his remarks that Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi sought his help to “drop” his corruption cases, say his lawyers.

       Lead counsel Mior Haidir also said they will contest the Umno president's defamation suit.

       “He (Dr Mahathir) also reserves his right to file a counterclaim before the court in the future,” he was reported to have said by news portal FMT.

       Dr Mahathir had told reporters on Feb 23 that Ahmad Zahid was looking for ways to drop corruption charges against him after Pakatan Harapan came to power.

       Dr Mahathir claimed that Ahmad Zahid visited him at his house, along with three others.

       Ahmad Zahid has denied these accusations.

       He is facing 47 counts of money laundering, criminal breach of trust and bribery over tens of millions of ringgit belonging to Yayasan Akalbudi, a charitable organisation he founded.

       He is also facing 40 charges of bribery involving more than RM43mil over a foreign visa system.

       Last week, Ahmad Zahid had filed a defamation suit against Dr Mahathir claiming the former premier’s remarks were untrue, unwarranted, unsubstantiated and mischievous.

       The suit was filed on April 20 at the High Court.

       Ahmad Zahid is seeking an injunction to stop Dr Mahathir from repeating his claim, as well as aggravated, general and exemplary damages.

       Mior said the Kuala Lumpur High Court had fixed June 17 for case management on Zahid’s application to obtain an injunction against Dr Mahathir.

       Ahmad Zahid had also filed a suit against former prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin last month.

       On Feb 16, Muhyiddin had claimed during a ceramah that Ahmad Zahid had visited his home, bringing along files, and seeking help from him.

       He said he refused to help, prompting Ahmad Zahid to back efforts to oust him as prime minister.