Malaysia's former premier irritated about prolonging his defamation case, says he 'will be dead' before it ends

ANKARA

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad seemed irritated Thursday about prolonging his defamation suit against current Premier Anwar Ibrahim, telling a judge that he "will be dead" before the case ends, according to Free Malaysia Today.

Mahathir was irked during cross-examination in his RM150 million ($31.5 million) suit against Anwar when lawyer Ranjit Singh questioned the former premier about his resignation in 2020 and his party's poor performance in the 2022 elections.

“I’d like to point out that the line of questioning has nothing to do with (my) complaint that Anwar defamed me,” Mahathir responded.

Mahathir was the longest-serving premier in Malaysia since it gained independence in 1957. The veteran statesman turned 100 on July 10.

When Singh accused him of being a dictator, Mahathir said he was not a dictator.

“No dictator has ever resigned,” said Mahathir.

He raised an objection about the cross-examination. “So far, I’m being asked about my character. I don’t have time, your honour, because I’m 100 years old. I cannot answer all the questions. It will take 10 years at this rate,” he said. “I am not a lawyer, but I believe justice delayed is justice denied. Probably, I will be dead before this case is finished.”

Mahathir filed the case against Anwar for remarks in March 2023 at the People’s Justice Party's Special National Congress, where Anwar said someone in power for 22 years and 22 months "has enriched himself, his family, and cronies, failed to pay taxes, and moved funds abroad."

Mahathir said Anwar's remarks were directed at him.

Anwar served as deputy prime minister under Mahathir from 1993 to 1998.