Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad voiced his frustration in the High Court on Thursday, lamenting that he might not live long enough to see the end of his defamation suit against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The 100-year-old statesman made the remark during cross-examination in connection with his RM150 million lawsuit against Anwar over alleged defamatory remarks made during the “Madani Malaysia: Implementing an Idealism” congress two years ago.
Dr Mahathir complained that Anwar’s lawyer had restricted him from elaborating on his responses, insisting that he only answer “yes” or “no” to questions posed. He described the line of questioning as irrelevant to the central issue of defamation, claiming that much of it strayed into personal and political territory.
According to him, questions about Pejuang’s poor performance in the Johor by-election and the 15th General Election were unnecessary and unrelated to the lawsuit. The former Pejuang chairman argued that the real matter before the court was Anwar’s alleged accusation that he had misused his position to enrich himself and his family.
Dr Mahathir asserted that Anwar’s statements had painted him as corrupt, dishonest, and responsible for diverting public funds overseas while favouring cronies. Such claims, he said, had severely damaged his image as a former national leader and statesman.
He remarked that if the proceedings continued at this pace, the case could take “10 to 15 years” to conclude, adding that time was not on his side. His comment drew brief laughter in court when he jested that at this rate, he would have to live until 200 years old to witness the case’s conclusion.
Judicial Commissioner Datuk Donald Joseph Franklin later adjourned the hearing to next Wednesday.
Dr Mahathir filed the suit on May 3, 2023, seeking RM150 million in damages over Anwar’s speech. In his claim, he alleged that Anwar’s statements about him — including claims that he had unfairly accumulated wealth for his children and close associates — were false and intended to tarnish his reputation.
Anwar, in his defence filed on June 14, 2023, maintained that the lawsuit was politically motivated and aimed at undermining his credibility as Prime Minister. He argued that Mahathir’s action risked stoking racial tensions ahead of last year’s state elections in six states — Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah.
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