Former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad made a bold statement in court today, asserting his Malay identity despite acknowledging his Indian heritage. The 99-year-old statesman’s declaration came during a High Court hearing for a defamation lawsuit he has filed against Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Dr. Mahathir took the stand to address Zahid’s remarks from July 30, 2017, which implied that his real name was “Mahathir anak lelaki Iskandar Kutty.” During his testimony, Dr. Mahathir emphasized that while he is proud of his Indian ancestry, he firmly identifies as Malay according to Malaysia’s Federal Constitution.
“I’m not ashamed to say I have some Indian blood, but that does not mean that I’m not a Malay,” Dr. Mahathir stated confidently in court. He elaborated that although people in countries such as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka might consider him one of their own due to his heritage, he remains “not embarrassed” about these claims.
In his lawsuit, Dr. Mahathir seeks compensation, an unconditional apology from Zahid, and a court order prohibiting the repetition of the allegedly defamatory remarks. His case underscores a broader discussion about ethnic identity and personal history.
The former prime minister also addressed Barry Wain’s biography, *Malaysian Maverick: Mahathir Mohamad in Turbulent Times*, which described Dr. Mahathir’s father as a Jawi Peranakan. Dr. Mahathir criticized the book for containing “many inaccuracies” and noted that he did not feel compelled to correct the record, as Wain did not provide him with a draft before publication.
According to Dr. Mahathir, his father was registered as a “pure Malay” and was born in Penang. He disputed the notion that his father’s name included “Iskandar Kutty,” explaining that “Iskandar” referred to his grandfather. He admitted uncertainty about whether his grandfather or great-grandfather originated from Kerala, India, due to the lack of concrete records and family discussion.
Dr. Mahathir also mentioned that as the youngest and last surviving sibling of ten, the naming conventions in his family varied. While his siblings used the “bin” or “binti Mohamad Iskandar” suffix, he is simply known as “bin Mohamad.” He acknowledged that some people referred to him as “Mahathir Mohamad Iskandar,” but clarified that he had not actively researched his ancestry.
Reflecting on his identity, Dr. Mahathir affirmed his commitment to defending the interests of his race, as defined by Article 160 of the Federal Constitution, which outlines the criteria for being considered Malay. The article defines a Malay as someone who practices Islam, speaks the Malay language habitually, and adheres to Malay customs.
The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting issues of ethnic identity and historical accuracy while spotlighting Dr. Mahathir’s enduring role in Malaysian politics. As the court proceedings continue, Dr. Mahathir’s statements provide a window into his perspective on heritage and identity amidst legal challenges.
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