KUALA LUMPUR – Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s legal team to focus on the key issues in his RM150 million defamation suit, noting that he may not live long enough to see the case concluded.
During cross-examination by Anwar’s lawyer, Ranjit Singh, Dr Mahathir, now 100 years old, directly addressed the court. He expressed frustration that the questioning was veering away from the core issue of defamation.
“Your Honour, may I make a statement. I would like to point out that the line of questioning has nothing to do with my complaint that Anwar defamed me,” Dr Mahathir said, as quoted by local media.
He reiterated that the essence of his complaint was Anwar’s accusations of financial misconduct, which he believes were defamatory. “Anwar accused me of committing a crime, that I stole money, I enriched myself and my children, I do not pay taxes and I send my money abroad,” he said.
With his age weighing on him, Dr Mahathir urged the court to focus on the original defamation claim, adding,
“I do not have time, Your Honour. I am 100-years-old and I cannot answer all these questions. It will take 10-15 years at the rate he is going. I am not a lawyer, but I believe there is a saying that justice delayed is justice denied. Probably, I will be dead before the case is finished so I would not get justice while I am living.”
His remarks were met with a response from Ranjit, who assured the court that the proceedings would not take that long. “It will not take 15 years, I can assure you,” Ranjit said.
Earlier, Ranjit had questioned Dr Mahathir on his political career, including his role in the development of Kedah and Langkawi, as well as the events surrounding Ops Lalang and Anwar’s sacking in 1998. Dr Mahathir, though visibly tired, declined Ranjit’s offer for a break, saying, “No, I am okay.”
At one point, he had to use a magnifying glass to read documents, assisted by a lawyer sitting beside him.
Dr Mahathir also became frustrated when questioned about the performance of his party, Pejuang, during the 15th General Election, where its candidates lost their deposits. Despite his apparent irritation, he continued to comply with the questions, though Judicial Commissioner Datuk Donald Joseph Franklin reminded Ranjit to keep questions concise.
When the proceedings were adjourned until October 29, Dr Mahathir joked, “Again? I will live to 200 years.”
In his defamation suit, Dr Mahathir claims that Anwar made defamatory remarks during a speech at PKR’s special national congress on March 18, 2023. He contends that Anwar referred to him as a corrupt leader who enriched himself and his family during his 22-year tenure as prime minister. Dr Mahathir argues that the comments were made in reference to him, causing harm to his reputation.
The trial will continue on October 29. – October 23, 2025