Dr Mahathir’s RM150mil defamation suit awaits medical update

Dr Mahathir’s RM150mil defamation suit awaits medical update

Dr Mahathir's RM150mil defamation suit awaits medical update

SHAH ALAM: The High Court will be updated on Friday on Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s condition and fitness to resume his RM150 million defamation suit against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Dr Mahathir’s lawyer, Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, said a case management would be held online before judicial commissioner Datuk Donald Joseph Franklin.

“Currently, Dr Mahathir is still under the care of the National Heart Institute and it is the experts’ opinion that on Friday, they will be able to provide an update on his readiness and fitness to resume the trial.

“It will not be easy due to Dr Mahathir’s age and medical parameters,” he said.

The two-time former prime minister turned 101 on July 10.

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The trial was temporarily halted earlier this year to allow Dr Mahathir time to recover after he suffered a fall while exercising at home.

He was admitted to the National Heart Institute on Jan 6 for observation and treatment.

Rafique had said the incident occurred as Dr Mahathir was stepping off a treadmill after his routine brisk walk before heading to the office.

In his suit, Dr Mahathir alleged that Anwar had tarnished his reputation by accusing him of being racist and enriching himself and his family members during his 22-year tenure as prime minister.

He claimed that Anwar made the statements during a speech at PKR’s special national congress at Melawati Stadium in Shah Alam on March 18, 2023.

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Anwar had allegedly referred to someone “who in the past had been in power for 22 years and an additional 22 months” as taking advantage of his position to enrich himself and his family.

Dr Mahathir is seeking RM100 million in exemplary damages and RM50 million in general damages, in addition to a written apology and a special press conference for Anwar to apologise for making the statements.