The first day of proceedings in the defamation suit filed by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the High Court here on Tuesday lasted less than 30 minutes. The case concerns the 10th Prime Minister’s remarks during the Malaysia Madani Special National Congress titled “Implementing an Idealism.”
After answering three additional questions from his lawyer, Dr Mahathir, who celebrated his 100th birthday on July 10, said he lacked the energy to continue with cross-examination by Anwar’s legal team, representing the Tambun MP.
“I just took my medication, so I cannot function fully and do not have the strength to speak,” he told the proceedings before Judicial Commissioner Datuk Donald Joseph Franklin.
Following this, Dr Mahathir’s lawyer, Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, requested that the proceedings be postponed. There was no objection from Ranjit Singh, representing the 78-year-old Anwar. Donald then granted the adjournment, and the cross-examination will resume on Thursday with the defense questioning Dr Mahathir, who is the first plaintiff witness.
At a press conference, Muhammad Rafique said Dr Mahathir is in good health but requires adequate rest. “He has taken a half-day leave and is expected to return fit for the cross-examination by the defense lawyers on Thursday,” he said.
In documents filed on May 3, 2023, Dr Mahathir filed the defamation suit against Anwar, seeking RM150 million in damages over the remarks. The suit was filed through Tetuan Law Practice of Rafique at the High Court, naming Anwar as the sole defendant.
In his statement of claim, Dr Mahathir alleged that Anwar made several defamatory statements intended to tarnish his reputation. Among them were claims that the plaintiff “hoarded” wealth for his children and family, and allegedly gave special treatment or prioritized individuals holding high positions.
Dr Mahathir said these statements were untrue and damaged his image as a statesman and former Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, in his defense statement filed on June 14 of the same year, Anwar, who is also the President of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), claimed that Dr Mahathir’s suit undermined his credibility as Prime Minister and caused racial tensions ahead of the recent state elections.
Anwar also referenced an Urgent Certificate filed by the plaintiff, which stated that the suit should be dismissed immediately as six states were about to dissolve their state assemblies to allow for the elections. The six states were Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah.
Additionally, Anwar raised the issue of a direct contract awarded to Opcom Sdn Bhd, in which Dr Mahathir’s third son, Datuk Seri Mukhriz, served as a director from March 30, 1994, to October 14, 2009.
