Former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad took the stand at the High Court on August 27, asserting that while he acknowledges his Indian heritage, he identifies as a Malay under Malaysia’s Federal Constitution. The 99-year-old statesman was resolute in his testimony, emphasizing that his ethnic background does not diminish his Malay identity.
Dr. Mahathir’s declaration came during his testimony in a defamation lawsuit he filed against Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The lawsuit stems from Zahid’s remarks on July 30, 2017, where he implied that Dr. Mahathir’s actual name was “Mahathir anak lelaki Iskandar Kutty,” a statement that Dr. Mahathir contends is both false and damaging.
During the court proceedings, Dr. Mahathir explained that while he is aware of his Indian ancestry, he is not ashamed of it. He pointed out that, under Article 160 of the Federal Constitution, he is legally recognized as a Malay, as he practices Islam, speaks the Malay language, and adheres to Malay customs. This constitutional definition, according to Dr. Mahathir, solidifies his status as a Malay, regardless of his lineage.
He shared that, in his travels to countries such as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, locals often claim him as one of their own. However, he is unperturbed by these claims, maintaining his Malay identity with pride.
When questioned by Zahid’s lawyer, Mohamed Shahrul Fazli Kamarulzaman, about the biography.
Malaysian Maverick: Mahathir Mohamad in Turbulent Times by Barry Wain, which described Dr. Mahathir’s father as a “Jawi Peranakan,” Dr. Mahathir dismissed the book’s accuracy. He noted that while the book contained several inaccuracies, including the description of his father, he chose not to correct the author because he deemed it unnecessary.
Dr. Mahathir clarified that his father, Mohamad bin Iskandar, was registered as a “pure Malay” and was born in Penang. He further asserted that “Iskandar Kutty” was not his father’s other name, clarifying that “Iskandar” referred to his grandfather’s name, not a surname. He also expressed uncertainty about whether it was his grandfather or great-grandfather who originated from Kerala, India, as there are no records to confirm this.
As the youngest of 10 siblings and the only one still living, Dr. Mahathir mentioned that all his siblings used the name “bin” or “binti Mohamad Iskandar,” while his name is simply “bin Mohamad.” He acknowledged that some individuals have referred to him as “Mahathir Mohamad Iskandar,” but he has never taken an interest in researching his ancestry. He remains satisfied with his understanding of his father’s identity.
Dr. Mahathir reiterated that his focus has always been on defending the interests of his race, in line with the Federal Constitution’s definition of a Malay. He emphasized that his legal action against Zahid is not about whether his name is of Islamic origin, but about correcting the false implication that his real name is “Mahathir anak lelaki Iskandar Kutty.”
In the lawsuit, filed on July 20, 2022, Dr. Mahathir seeks compensation, an unconditional apology from Zahid, and a court order preventing Zahid from repeating the defamatory remarks. The hearing, presided over by judicial commissioner Gan Techiong, is set to continue in the afternoon.
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