MIC treasurer-general S Vell Paari has revealed what transpired during an alleged meeting between former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his then deputy Anwar Ibrahim prior to the latter's sacking in September 1998.

In an interview with Utusan Malaysia, Vell Paari said he had accompanied his father, then MIC president and works minister S Samy Vellu, to the meeting at Mahathir's official residence in Sri Perdana, Kuala Lumpur.

He claimed that others present were former finance minister Daim Zainuddin and a corporate figure, who was close to Anwar and had since passed on.

A few days prior to this purported meeting, Vell Paari (photo) claimed that Anwar had confided his concern about being arrested to Samy Vellu during a function in Penang.

“Anwar told my father, 'definitely, he (Mahathir) will arrest me'.

“My father said, 'Don't worry, we will find a solution'. Following this, my father spoke to Daim, who agreed to arrange a meeting with Mahathir.

“During the meeting at Sri Perdana, the corporate figure and myself sat several meters away from the four but we could hear the discussion,” he added.

Vell Paari said he could not remember the exact date of the meeting but it was held after the disclosure of alleged nepotism and cronyism with regard to government contracts at the Umno annual meet in June 1998.

“During the meeting, Anwar apologised to Mahathir and promised never to attack Mahathir's children again (on the allegation of receiving government contracts).

“Mahathir said if the attacks (against his children) are stopped, Anwar would be chosen to replace him as prime minister.

“Anwar believed Mahathir. But after that meeting, Mahathir 'mengukuhkan' (strengthened) the allegations (of sodomy) against Anwar,” he added.

Vell Paari said that he felt compelled to reveal these details out of sympathy for the jailed former opposition leader's family, especially his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and daughter Nurul Izzah, who believe that if Mahathir becomes prime minister again, he would seek a royal pardon for Anwar.

“These are Mahathir's tricks. I still remember the discussion in 1998 at Sri Perdana.

“If he cannot fulfil his promise (for Anwar to replace him), can Wan Azizah and Nurul still trust this 'guy'?” he asked.