Mahathir Defamation Suit Against Anwar Awaits Medical Report on Former PM’s Fitness

(Shah Alam, July 30) A medical report will determine whether the Mahathir defamation suit against Anwar Ibrahim can move forward when the High Court conducts an online case management session on Friday, July 31. Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is 101 years old and has been recovering at the National Heart Institute following a fall in January, must be assessed as fit to resume proceedings before the RM150 million trial can restart.

Why the Trial Was Suspended

Mahathir's lawyer Rafique said the former prime minister had been at IJN since January, after falling at home while stepping off a treadmill following his morning exercise. He was taken to the hospital as an emergency, and trial proceedings were suspended at around the same time. The lawyer acknowledged that the combination of Mahathir's age and his current medical state made resuming the trial a matter that could not be rushed.

Health and Age

Mahathir, who turned 101 on July 10, 2026, remains at IJN. Medical experts are set to provide the court with a full assessment on Friday — covering his current condition and whether he is medically ready to return to court — which will be the primary subject of Friday's case management session before Judicial Commissioner Datuk Donald.

The Remarks at the Centre of the Case

The origin of the Mahathir defamation suit against Anwar lies in a speech Anwar gave at a PKR special national congress on March 18, 2023. He referred to someone who had "held power for 22 years and an additional 22 months" and had used the position to benefit himself and his family. Mahathir argued the description matched him precisely — his first prime ministerial term ran from 1981 to 2003, approximately 22 years, and his second from 2018 to 2020, approximately 22 months. Mahathir alleged the remarks portrayed him as racist and as someone who had used his long period in office to enrich himself and his family, causing significant reputational harm.

The RM150 Million Claim and Apology Demands

Mahathir is seeking RM100 million in exemplary damages and RM50 million in general damages, totalling RM150 million, from Anwar. He is additionally seeking a written apology and a special press conference at which Anwar would formally and publicly apologise for the remarks.

Next Case Management Date

Online case management is set for Friday, July 31, 2026, presided over by High Court Judicial Commissioner Datuk Donald. The medical experts' report is expected to be the decisive document of the session.