“A law suit such as this needs to be taken to court, heard in court, decided by the court,” he said at a press conference today.

“If it fails to be heard in court, then it means that the rule of law was not upheld. It also means that under Najib’s administration, there is absolutely no rule of law.”

Dr Mahathir’s challenge follows in the wake of legal experts questioning the validity of the suit, in which he and two others seek damages from Najib for breach of fiduciary duty and misfeasance in public office regarding a RM2.6 billion deposit in Najib’s bank accounts.

Political analysts and legal experts have said that Dr Mahathir does not have standing to sue for damages

However, Dr Mahathir said today that only the courts had the power to decide on whether or not the suit could be heard.

Dr Mahathir suggested that the legal system was stacked against him, pointing out that those who had lodged reports against Najib would be the one questioned, arrested and charged. This was a reference to police action last year against two of his supporters, former Umno leader Khairuddin Abu Hassan and his lawyer Matthias Chang, on grounds of financial sabotage.

Mahathir said investigative action against Najib over the RM2.6 billion donation had been stymied by Najib’s interference in removing the investigators and by later calling an end to the probe.

“How can I win like that? If the law is abided by, I will win but if not, then he will win lah,” he said.