(Shah Alam, July 30) The Mahathir defamation suit against Anwar has stalled at the High Court as former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad remains at the National Heart Institute, known as IJN, following a fall at his home in January. The court will conduct an online case management session on Friday, July 31, at which medical experts are expected to provide an updated assessment of whether the 101-year-old former leader is fit and ready to resume the trial, which involves a staggering RM150 million in claimed damages.
Why the Trial Was Suspended
Mahathir's lawyer, Rafique, disclosed that the former prime minister had been at IJN since early January this year, when he suffered a fall at his home after completing his routine brisk-walking exercise. The fall occurred as he was preparing to leave the treadmill and make his way to his office. He was rushed to IJN for treatment, and the trial was formally suspended shortly after to allow him to rest and recover. Rafique acknowledged that given Mahathir's age and medical condition, resuming the trial is not straightforward.
Health and Age
Mahathir celebrated his 101st birthday on July 10, 2026, while still under care at IJN. Medical specialists are expected to present their latest evaluation at Friday's case management session, covering whether he is medically prepared and fit to return to court and participate in the ongoing defamation proceedings. High Court Judicial Commissioner Datuk Donald will preside over the online session.
The Remarks at the Centre of the Case
The Mahathir defamation suit against Anwar stems from a speech Anwar delivered on March 18, 2023, at a special PKR national congress. Without naming anyone directly, Anwar referred to a person who had "held power for 22 years and an additional 22 months", and said that individual had used the position to benefit himself and his family. Mahathir maintained the remarks were aimed squarely at him — his first term as Prime Minister ran from 1981 to 2003, approximately 22 years, while his second term lasted from May 2018 to February 2020, approximately 22 months. In the suit, Mahathir further alleged that Anwar's remarks had portrayed him as being involved in racism and of having enriched himself and his family during his 22 years in office, causing serious damage to his reputation.
The RM150 Million Claim and Apology Demands
In the Mahathir defamation suit against Anwar, the former prime minister is seeking RM100 million in exemplary damages and RM50 million in general damages, amounting to a total of RM150 million. Beyond the financial claims, Mahathir is also demanding that Anwar submit a written apology and convene a special press conference at which he would publicly apologise for the remarks.
Next Case Management Date
The next case management session is scheduled for Friday, July 31, 2026, to be conducted online under Judicial Commissioner Datuk Donald. The medical experts' assessment is expected to be the central focus of the session.
About the Author
