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THE High Court has scheduled the continuation of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s defamation suit against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for 13 January 2026.
The case involves RM150 million in damages over remarks made by the 10th Prime Minister during the Malaysia Madani National Congress: ‘Perlaksanaan Sebuah Idealisme’ two years ago.
Additional dates before Judicial Commissioner Datuk Donald Joseph Franklin have been set for 14, 28 and 29 January, and 9 February 2026.
The trial was deferred as Anwar, the defendant, is unavailable for hearings this month and in December.
Dr Mahathir, who celebrated his 100th birthday on 10 July, is represented by lawyers Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali and Rasyid Azman, while Anwar, 78, is represented by Aliff Benjamin Suhaimi.
Filed on 3 May 2023, the defamation suit names Anwar as the sole defendant. Dr Mahathir claims that Anwar made statements intended to tarnish his reputation, including allegations that he had amassed wealth for his children and relatives and gave preferential treatment to senior officials.
Dr Mahathir maintains that these statements are false and damaging to his standing as a statesman and former Prime Minister.
In his defence filed on 14 June 2023, Anwar argued that the suit undermines his credibility as Prime Minister and could foment racial divisions ahead of last year’s state elections.
Anwar further contended that, according to a certificate of urgency filed by Dr Mahathir, the legal action should have been struck out immediately to accommodate the dissolution of six state assemblies for elections, namely Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah.
He also raised concerns over direct contracts awarded to Opcom Sdn Bhd, in which Dr Mahathir’s third son, Datuk Seri Mukhriz, served as director from 30 March 1994 to 14 October 2009. - November 12, 2025