Dr. Mahathir hospitalized for lung infection, defamation trial delayed

PETALING JAYA: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was admitted to the National Heart Institute (IJN) on Tuesday (Oct 15), as reported to the Kuala Lumpur High Court.

The 99-year-old was hospitalized due to a lung infection, leading to the postponement of his defamation trial against Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, originally scheduled for Wednesday (Oct 16) and Thursday (Oct 17). The trial will now resume on Oct 29.

In his statement of claim filed on July 20, 2022, Dr. Mahathir accused Ahmad Zahid, 71, of making defamatory comments during an Umno division meeting in Kelana Jaya on July 30, 2017.

Dr. Mahathir asserted that the references made by the Umno president, particularly calling him “that person,” “he,” and “Mahathir the son of Iskandar Kutty,” were directly aimed at him. He contended that these remarks have harmed his reputation as a statesman and an influential political figure globally.

Furthermore, Dr. Mahathir stated that Ahmad Zahid’s comments impliedly questioned his credibility to lead both the country and a party dedicated to the interests of Malays.