Mahathir to sue opposition aide

Mahathir to sue opposition aide

KUALA LUMPUR (AP): The Malaysian government said on Wednesday that additional charges may be brought against a key opposition supporter of jailed politician Anwar Ibrahim for allegedly defaming Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad in foreign countries.

Zainal Abidin Zin, the deputy home affairs minister, told Parliament that police have completed their probe against Mohamad Ezam Mohamad Noor of the National Justice Party, who is currently on trial for leaking state secrets.

Government officials accuse Mohamad Ezam of launching an international smear campaign against Mahathir to encourage the United States government to impose economic sanctions that could ruin Malaysia.

Mahathir has indicated that he regards Mohamad Ezam as a traitor and has said opposition activists who travel abroad to criticize the government should stay there.