26-8-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) Former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad arrived at the Kuala Lumpur High Court today to testify in his defamation case against Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The case, which centres around the contentious “kutty” issue, has captured national attention and promises to be a significant moment in Malaysian political history.
Dr Mahathir, who recently celebrated his 99th birthday, made a striking entrance at 9:38 am, dressed in a sharp black suit. He was accompanied by his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, and son, Mukhriz Mahathir. The former Langkawi MP’s arrival was met with enthusiasm by supporters who had gathered in the court lobby since early morning, underscoring the high stakes of this legal battle.
The trial, presided over by Judicial Commissioner Gan Techiong, is set to commence at 10 am. This landmark case has faced several postponements in the past due to Dr Mahathir’s health concerns, including a recent admission to the National Heart Institute for respiratory issues.
Tun M hadir ke mahkamah kes saman Zahid isu Kutty
Bekas Perdana Menteri, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad tiba di Mahkamah Tinggi Kuala Lumpur, pada Isnin, bagi memberi keterangan dalam kes samannya terhadap Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi berhubung isu ‘kutty’,… pic.twitter.com/RJTzZV7JDh
— SinarHarian (@SinarOnline) August 26, 2024
At the heart of this legal dispute is a statement of claim filed by Dr Mahathir on July 20, 2022. The former premier alleges that Ahmad Zahid, 71, made defamatory remarks against him during an Umno division meeting in Kelana Jaya on July 30, 2017. Dr Mahathir contends that references made by the Umno president to “that person”, “he”, and “Mahathir the son of Iskandar Kutty” were clearly aimed at him, damaging his reputation as a statesman and influential political figure on the global stage.
Furthermore, Dr Mahathir argues that Ahmad Zahid’s alleged defamatory statement implicitly questioned his credibility to lead the country and a party that prioritises Malay interests. This accusation strikes at the core of Dr Mahathir’s political legacy and his position within Malaysia’s complex racial and political landscape.
The case has drawn significant media attention, with Dr Mahathir’s lawyer, Rafique Rashid, issuing a statement confirming his client’s scheduled testimony at 10 am. The legal team has kept the possibility of a media briefing open, adding to the anticipation surrounding this high-profile court appearance.
