(Shah Alam, July 30) When asked about the prospect of the Mahathir defamation suit against Anwar Ibrahim resuming, the former prime minister's lawyer, Rafique, was candid: it was not easy, he said, given Mahathir's age and medical condition. The 101-year-old remains at the National Heart Institute following a fall in January, and the RM150 million defamation trial has been suspended since early this year. A medical assessment is expected to be presented at an online case management session on Friday, July 31.
Why the Trial Was Suspended
Mahathir fell at his home in January while stepping off a treadmill following his daily exercise routine. He was taken immediately to IJN, and the trial was suspended not long after to give him time to recover. Lawyer Rafique confirmed Mahathir remains at IJN and said medical specialists would provide an updated assessment on Friday, covering whether he is fit and ready to resume the proceedings. He was measured in his assessment of the immediate prospects, noting that age and medical considerations made things complicated.
Health and Age
The former prime minister turned 101 on July 10, 2026, and continues to receive care at IJN. High Court Judicial Commissioner Datuk Donald will preside over Friday's online session, where the medical report will be the central item on the agenda.
The Remarks at the Centre of the Case
The Mahathir defamation suit against Anwar originated from a speech at a PKR party congress on March 18, 2023, where Anwar referred to an unnamed person who had "held power for 22 years and an additional 22 months" and who had used that position to benefit himself and his family. Mahathir — who served as prime minister for roughly 22 years in his first term from 1981 to 2003, and for approximately 22 months in his second term from 2018 to 2020 — believed the remarks were a direct reference to him. He alleged in the suit that Anwar had painted him as a racist and accused him of enriching himself and his family during his time in power, seriously harming his reputation.
The RM150 Million Claim and Apology Demands
Mahathir is seeking exemplary damages of RM100 million and general damages of RM50 million from Anwar in the Mahathir defamation suit against Anwar, a combined total of RM150 million. He is also demanding a written apology and a special press conference at which Anwar would publicly apologise for the statements.
Next Case Management Date
Online case management in the Mahathir defamation suit against Anwar is scheduled for Friday, July 31, with Judicial Commissioner Datuk Donald presiding.