13-2-2024(KUALA LUMPUR) Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, aged 98, has been admitted to the hospital once again, according to his office, confirming media reports following his absence from a court hearing on Tuesday (Feb 13).
The veteran politician has grappled with health issues in recent years, particularly concerning his heart, necessitating several hospitalizations and bypass surgeries.
Mahathir was slated to appear in court for proceedings related to his lawsuit against Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who allegedly made defamatory remarks questioning Mahathir’s racial heritage.
However, the court deferred the hearing to Jul 19 upon learning that Mahathir had been under medical care at the National Heart Institute since Jan 26, as disclosed by his lawyer.
Ahmad Zahid’s legal representative proposed commencing the trial in October, citing scheduling concerns. Nonetheless, the judge rebuffed the suggestion, urging for earlier trial dates to be arranged.
“We can vacate other cases to accommodate this trial. Most probably, Tun Mahathir is one of the oldest plaintiffs in this court,” remarked Judicial Commissioner Gan Techiong.
Mahathir, a towering figure in Malaysian politics, served as Prime Minister for 22 years until 2003. He made a remarkable return to power in 2018, leading the opposition coalition to a historic victory. However, his government collapsed within two years due to internal conflicts.
The defamation lawsuit against Ahmad Zahid was initiated in July 2022, with Mahathir accusing the Deputy Prime Minister of slandering him during a UMNO divisional meeting.
In his statement of claim, Mahathir alleged that Ahmad Zahid’s remarks insinuated that he was not of Malay or Muslim descent and that his original name was Mahathir, son of Iskandar Kutty.
