During cross-examination by Anwar’s counsel, Razlan Hadri Zulkifli, the centenarian was questioned over his past remarks on various occasions alleging that the current government had neglected Malay interests and that the community risked losing its power.
Mahathir was testifying on the second day of the hearing of his RM150 million defamation suit against the prime minister before Judicial Commissioner Donald Joseph Franklin at the High Court here.
Razlan first asked Mahathir to confirm that the Federal Constitution is the supreme law of the federation, to which the former Langkawi MP agreed.
Razlan: Has there been any amendment to the Federal Constitution under Anwar’s administration to reduce, weaken, or diminish the power of the Malays?
Mahathir: I don’t see the connection (of the question) to my case.
Unsatisfied with the reply, Razlan repeated his question. Mahathir then testified that there had been an amendment to the Federal Constitution under Anwar’s government.
Razlan: So, what is it?
Mahathir: The question about Malay power does not arise. It’s a question of law.
Razlan: So there has been no amendment to reduce the power of the Malays?
Mahathir: There are other matters that reduce the power of the Malays, notably political power.
Razlan: Can we agree that there has been no amendment (to the Federal Constitution) under Anwar’s administration to weaken the Malays?
Mahathir: None.
Mahathir also agreed with Razlan that Malay influence remains evident in the civil service, including the police and armed forces, which are largely dominated by the community.
However, he added that “they are subjected to the law”, without elaborating further.
As the session wrapped up around 4.30pm, Mahathir lightened the mood by asking if there were any more questions.
When Razlan replied that there would be more at the next hearing, the former prime minister quipped: “At this rate, I’ll live to be 200.”
Mahathir filed the defamation suit in May 2023 over remarks made by Anwar two months earlier at the PKR Special National Congress, referring to “someone in power for 22 years and 22 months”, which Mahathir claimed was clearly directed at him.
The hearing will resume on Oct 29.
Anwar was represented by Ranjit Singh, Alliff Benjamin Suhaimi and Razlan, while Rafique Rashid Ali and Nizam Bashir Abdul Kariem Bashir appeared for Mahathir.