SHAH ALAM, MALAYSIA: Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday labelled Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad an old leader who is tired and confused.

Anwar said the former prime minister's claims that he (Anwar) had Jewish connections were "outrageous".

"He is getting a bit tired and confused. I have not paid money to any Jewish lobby but he had, to Jack Abramoff.

"I have not met any Israeli government leader, but he met the Israeli prime minister, quietly, when he was prime minister."

Anwar claimed Dr Mahathir paid millions to Abramoff, who is not only a Jewish lobbyist but also a gambling tycoon, in the United Sates.

"He has to explain how he destroyed the judiciary, controlled the media and how he detained hundreds under the Internal Security Act (ISA) during Operasi Lallang."

Anwar said Dr Mahathir was afraid of the new phenomenon of people speaking up and wanted to ensure that his nominees take over to protect his legacy and family interests.

He was speaking to the press after attending a seminar for PKR elected representatives and leaders here yesterday.