THE High Court will be updated on Dec 4 on the next steps in Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s RM150 million defamation suit against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as his legal team considers how to proceed in view of the former premier’s health.
Lawyer Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali said he had asked the court to give his 101-year-old client more time to decide the way forward.
“We are all aware of Dr Mahathir’s condition. I have asked the court to give him time and space to determine the next step,” he said when contacted today.
Muhammad Rafique said he was also considering applying for the proceedings to be conducted online, with the scope of cross-examination limited.
The trial was adjourned in January after Dr Mahathir suffered a fall. He was admitted to the National Heart Institute on Jan 6 for monitoring and treatment.
Dr Mahathir filed the suit on May 3, 2023, over remarks Anwar made at the Malaysia Madani Special National Congress, themed “The Implementation of an Idealism”.
In his statement of claim, Dr Mahathir alleged that Anwar made defamatory remarks intended to damage his reputation, including claims that he had accumulated wealth for his children and family and given preferential treatment to certain high-ranking individuals.
He maintained that the statements were untrue and had harmed his standing as a statesman and former prime minister.
In his statement of defence filed on June 14, 2023, Anwar argued that the suit undermined his credibility as prime minister and risked creating racial divisions ahead of the state elections that year.
Anwar also raised the issue of a direct contract awarded to Opcom Sdn Bhd, whose director from March 30, 1994, to Oct 14, 2009, was Dr Mahathir’s third son, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir.
The next case management is scheduled for Dec 4, when the court is expected to be informed of Dr Mahathir’s decision on how to proceed. - October 27, 2026
