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TUN Dr Mahathir Mohamad, 98, attended the Shah Alam High Court this morning for case management proceedings in his ongoing RM150 million defamation lawsuit against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Arriving at 10.30am, the former prime minister is seeking RM100 million in exemplary damages and RM50 million in general damages, as well as a written apology and a public retraction via press conference from Anwar.
The lawsuit, filed in May 2023, centres on allegations made by Anwar during his speech at the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Special National Congress at Stadium Melawati, Shah Alam, on 18 March 2023. During the event, Anwar made pointed remarks referring to “a leader of 22 years and 22 months,” accusing him of enriching his family and acting with racial bias while in office.
Dr Mahathir, who served as prime minister over two non-consecutive terms, contends the remarks were defamatory and intended to tarnish his reputation as a statesman.
In his statement of claim Dr Mahathir said Anwar’s accusations included claims that he had hoarded wealth for his children and family and had prioritised individuals of high social standing. He maintains that these assertions are untrue and have severely damaged his public image.
Anwar, represented in court by counsel Ranjit Singh, has stood by the remarks, insisting in his defence statement filed on 14 June 2023 that the statements made during the congress were factually accurate.
He further argued that the lawsuit was politically motivated and aimed at undermining his credibility as prime minister ahead of the state elections (PRN) held across six states — Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah.
Citing a Certificate of Urgency filed by Dr Mahathir’s legal team at the time, Anwar said the plaintiff himself had sought expedited disposal of the case due to the pending dissolution of the state assemblies, which would pave the way for the elections.
Anwar also raised the issue of a direct contract allegedly awarded in 1994 to Opcom Sdn Bhd — a company in which Dr Mahathir’s third son, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, served as a director from 30 March 1994 to 14 October 2009 — as an example of what he claims to be preferential treatment and conflict of interest. - October 21, 2025