In a turn of events for Malaysia’s former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been discharged from hospital after being treated for a respiratory infection. His office confirmed that he left the hospital on 29 October 2024, just shy of two weeks since his admission. The nonagenarian, who recently celebrated his 99th birthday, is set to return to his duties at the office.
The Courtroom Drama
Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir is embroiled in a legal battle against Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi. During a recent court session, he asserted that being called “Mahathir a/l Iskandar Kutty” was particularly damaging as a political leader. “If I were just selling kacang putih by the roadside, I would not care,” he remarked.
Defamation Claims
- The former Prime Minister has sued Mr Zahid for defamation, claiming that remarks made in 2017 undermined his public image.
- Dr Mahathir cited that the statement implied he was not genuinely Malay or Muslim, leading to significant implications for his reputation.
- The lawsuit, filed on 20 July 2023, has drawn public attention and scrutiny, with a re-examination of the context surrounding Zahid’s comments.
Political Tensions
Dr Mahathir’s remarks during the cross-examination revealed his discontent with the political environment, stating that Mr Zahid’s comments were not merely harmless jibes but carried malicious intent. “His words affected many, sparking interest and impacting my image,” he expressed.
This case adds another layer to the complex political landscape in Malaysia, where political rivalries often spill over into legal confrontations. Despite stepping away from the political spotlight, Dr Mahathir still wields considerable influence as a vocal critic of current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
As the court proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how this case will affect both figures’ futures in Malaysian politics.