KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and two other defendants have less than a month to file their arguments in the lawsuit filed by tycoon Tan Sri Halim Saad over the government's takeover of United Engineers Malaysia (UEM) Bhd and Renong Bhd.
Federal Counsel Imtiyaz Aizni Aufa Othman who appeared for the former prime minister, former minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop and the government said the court also has instructed the plaintiff (Halim) to file their reply to defence before Oct 23.
"We must file our defence on Oct 6 and any interlocutory applications must also be filed by Nov 20.
"The court also fixed the same date (Nov 20) for the next case management," she said when contacted.
Halim filed the suit via Messrs. Malik Imtiaz Sarwar at the High Court on Aug 2 by naming Dr Mahathir, former minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop and the government as the defendants.
The 70-year-old businessman, in his statement of claim, contended that the first and second defendants had acted on behalf of the government and were the prime movers in respect of the said compulsory acquisition and deprivation in 2001.
Halim claimed he intended to make a general offer on UEM either through Renong or jointly with Renong, to take it private as a subsidiary of Renong.
"The plaintiff was, however, directed by Dr Mahathir through Nor Mohamed, not to proceed with the takeover as the government wanted to acquire all the shares in UEM through a designated entity, Khazanah Nasional Bhd.
"The plaintiff was also directed to exit both UEM and Renong, both as shareholder and director, including in subsidiaries of the said companies," claimed Halim.
Halim claimed this had required him to cede his control over Renong and UEM to the government and to eventually dispose of his Renong shares at a loss.
The plaintiff claimed he complied with Dr Mahathir's directive as the latter was the then prime minister and finance minister.
Halim claimed he was not compensated for the acquisition of UEM and the deprivation of his rights as a controlling shareholder of Renong.
The plaintiff is seeking a court declaration that he was the beneficial and legal owner of Renong shares and not Umno Baru.
He is seeking a declaration that the government was obliged to provide the plaintiff adequate compensation within the meaning of Article 13 of the FC.
Halim also seeks compensation from the government as well as exemplary and aggravated damages.