Latest news with #MahathirMohamad
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
No action against Dr M over Batu Puteh due to his age, says Anwar
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said no legal action was taken over the Batu Puteh issue as it involved a 100-year-old former prime minister. (Bernama pic) KUALA LUMPUR : No legal action was taken against former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad over his role in the Batu Puteh issue due to his age, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today. A royal commission of inquiry (RCI) last year found that Mahathir had likely acted deliberately to influence the Cabinet to discontinue review applications regarding Batu Puteh's sovereignty in 2018, despite the views of international consultants who said the applications had a reasonable likelihood of success. The RCI recommended that a police report be lodged against Mahathir, saying a criminal investigation could be initiated under Section 415(b) of the Penal Code for cheating. 'Was he not wrong? He was wrong,' Anwar said in the Dewan Rakyat today. 'Should we take action? The Cabinet agreed not to. We made a decision because it involved a former prime minister who is 100 years old.' Batu Puteh, situated about 14km south of Johor and 44km east of Singapore, is made up of granite rocks. Middle Rocks and South Ledge are located 1.1km and 4km from Batu Puteh, respectively. In 2008, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) awarded Batu Puteh to Singapore and Middle Rocks to Malaysia. The ownership of South Ledge was left for determination based on the delimitation of territorial waters. In 2017, Putrajaya applied for the ICJ to review its decision on Batu Puteh and sought an interpretation of certain ambiguities and implications arising from its decision, particularly regarding the status of South Ledge. However, following its victory at the 14th general election in May 2018, the Pakatan Harapan government led by Mahathir withdrew both applications before they came up for hearing the following month. Speaking today, Anwar said talks between Malaysia and Indonesia to jointly develop the disputed oil-rich Ambalat area off the east coast of Borneo would involve Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor. He said the talks in Jakarta on July 29 would include Hajiji as the state's maritime borders would be raised during the discussions, and his views would be needed before any potential resolution of the matter could be reached. 'The process must include approval from the Sabah government. Whenever there are discussions about national boundary delimitation, Sabah's agreement is needed,' he said. Malaysia and Indonesia have overlapping territorial claims on the 15,000 sq km Ambalat sea block, which is said to possess the world's largest crude oil reserves. Last month, Anwar said Malaysia and Indonesia should proceed to jointly develop the area without waiting to resolve legal and regulatory obstacles. Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto also called for accelerated efforts to resolve technical border issues and begin joint economic projects in areas like Ambalat through a joint development authority.
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Dr M, Zahid withdraw libel suits against each other
Judicial Commissioner Gan Techiong ordered former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (right) to each bear their own costs. KUALA LUMPUR : In a surprise move, two defamation suits involving Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad before Judicial Commissioner Gan Techiong have been discontinued. This came after lawyers for both parties informed the judge that they had reached an amicable settlement and would not proceed with the suits, including one in which Zahid had cited Mahathir for contempt. The judge thanked both parties for not prolonging the matter. 'The suits are struck out with no liberty to file afresh,' Gan said, adding that each party would bear their own costs. Before the open court proceedings, lawyer Shahrul Fazli Kamarulzaman, representing Zahid, along with Mahathir's counsel Mior Nor Haidir Suhaimi and Nizam Bashir, met with Gan in his chambers. Mahathir and his son, Mukhriz, had taken the stand, while Zahid was scheduled to testify as the defendant. Zahid, the deputy prime minister, had initiated committal proceedings against Mahathir over a press conference which the former prime minister held last year after testifying in his defamation suit. Gan was scheduled to deliver his ruling today, but the lawyers informed the court that both suits would be withdrawn. Zahid's suit against Mahathir had yet to commence. Mahathir, who turned 100 on July 10, filed his suit over Zahid's allegedly derogatory use of the name 'Kutty' in reference to him. In his statement of claim, Mahathir alleged that Zahid had defamed him during an Umno divisional meeting in Kelana Jaya on July 30, 2017. He claimed the statement was meant to imply that he was not born a Malay or a Muslim, and that his original name was Mahathir son of Iskandar Kutty. In his defence, Zahid said the name Mahathir son of Iskandar Kutty referred to an individual based on information from an old copy of an identity card. Zahid meanwhile filed his suit after Mahathir claimed that the Umno president had sought his assistance to have corruption charges against him 'dropped'. At a press conference on Feb 23, 2022, Mahathir claimed that Zahid and several others had met him at his home immediately after the 14th general election in 2018. He allegedly said Zahid wanted to be 'friendly' with him before Mahathir became the prime minister for a second time in May 2018. Zahid claimed that Mahathir's remarks were untrue, unwarranted, unsubstantiated and mischievous. Mahathir however stood by his remarks and said he was relying on the defence of justification.
Independent Singapore
4 hours ago
- Health
- Independent Singapore
Mahathir Mohamad turns 100 years old! — The former Malaysian PM shares his health secrets to long life and sharp mind
MALAYSIA: Malaysia's two-time Prime Minister and perennial political heavyweight, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, just did something very few humans on the planet ever achieve: he turned 100 years old! That's right—Tun M is now officially a centenarian. Dr. Mahathir's signature wit was still firmly intact during his recent interview with Channel NewsAsia's ( CNA 's) Malaysia correspondent, Melissa Goh, who congratulated him on his big 1-0-0 feat and asked him, 'What is the one birthday wish that you have?' Photo: YT screengrab/@channelnewsasia 'Well, my birthday wish is I will be 100,' he responded with a smile, 'because anything can happen even in a few days, so I don't think about it until I have reached that age.' He's reached it now—and with clarity, stamina, and a touch of humour that puts even the sprightliest millennials to shame. 'It's a little bit frightening to be 100…' Yes, even a man who's spent over 80 years in politics admits to feeling a little scared about becoming a centenarian. 'Not many people have achieved that,' he confessed. 'People seem to expect a lot of things from me, but whether I can deliver or not is something else… I hope I can function after 100,' he expressed his fears. Still, Dr. Mahathir is not one to retreat into slippers and soup just because there are three digits in his age. He's still writing, speaking, and staying mentally sharp—by choice and by habit. A sharp mind, a simple diet, and no bananas So what's the secret to living a century and still being able to quote gross domestic product (GDP) statistics on command? 'Well, I didn't do it. It [just] happened,' he said. 'I have been fortunate in that I don't suffer from fatal diseases.' Sure, there were a couple of heart surgeries along the way. However, Dr. Mahathir attributes his relatively disease-free life to being careful about what he eats, staying active, and—here's the real kicker—keeping his brain busy. 'The brain is like a muscle. If you don't use it, it regresses,' he reminded us. He also writes often on paper using his trusty writing board with blank sheets. Then the handwritten thoughts are converted to social media posts or sent via WhatsApp. It's not high-tech, but it still works just as well. 'When I think of something worth writing, I write—not caring what time or what place it is,' he explained. Morning cocoa, no caffeine after 1 p.m., and 7 hours of sleep Yes, the man who once governed a nation for 22 years straight and returned for another term at 92 maintains a strict routine. He wakes up, has breakfast, goes to the office, holds meetings, gives speeches, and—when the stars align—writes into the night. That is, unless he's attending a wedding or state event. For sleep, he does, more or less, seven hours. For weight, he keeps it around 62 kg, although he said, right now, he doesn't know why he's at 62.8 kg, which is 'above [his] standard,' so his doctors, he says, may be 'giving me some medication to make me lose my weight.' He also agrees with Melissa that the extra 0.8 kg could probably be just water retention. His go-to drink is 'Cocoa, soft… I'll take that in the morning, but after 1:00 p.m., I don't take any coffee or caffeine because it affects my sleep.' You better take notes of all this now, night owls. Exercise like a centenarian Although Dr. Mahathir doesn't hit the gym like a YouTube or TikTok fitness influencer, he does make time for some light exercise, such as walking 'five or six rounds, [or] even more' laps around his house veranda or hopping on a tandem bicycle. 'That is sufficient exercise for me,' he said. As for his once-favourite pastime, horseback riding, he says that 'The horse has got its own mind. It's not like a bicycle… I have fallen. Three times. Fortunately, not very serious.' He still sounds like the man who once took on financial crises, rival politicians, and constitutional reforms without blinking, nevertheless. Books, politics, and passing it on Dr. Mahathir has written over 20 books, but says many of his key ideas are already in his first two volumes. That said, his pen (and writing board) are still in action. 'I have this long experience, as a prime minister, and in politics. I've been involved for more than 80 years. So I've learned something, and I think if it is worthwhile at all, I would like to pass it on to other people.' After all, there aren't many living world leaders with a political career spanning eight decades, multiple economic transformations, and two non-consecutive terms in office. One fruit to avoid, but no food off-limits… well, almost Asked if there's one thing he loves but can't eat anymore, Dr. Mahathir chuckled and shared a little dietary grievance. 'I was told that I should not take bananas because it increases my phosphate or something like that. So I had to take other fruits.' Otherwise, he eats 'almost anything… [but only] in small amounts.' The wisdom of a century In Japan, Mahathir noted, many people live long—especially in Kyushu and Okinawa, where they drink 'a very bitter drink.' That drink, he is referring to, is probably what is commonly believed to be made from Goya (Bitter Melon), which is a staple in Okinawan cuisine. Goya is a highly nutritious vegetable native to Okinawa, renowned for its distinct bitterness and numerous health benefits. It's often credited with helping regulate blood sugar levels and supporting the body's natural detoxification processes. From stir-fries to soups and teas, Goya can be prepared in various ways, and it might just be one of the reasons Okinawa boasts some of the longest-living people on Earth. However, for Malaysia's most famous nonagenarian-turned-centenarian, it's less about exotic elixirs and more about consistency, curiosity, and cocoa. Dr. Mahathir turns 100 not just as a political icon, but as a living reminder that age is as much a state of mind as it is a numerical measure. So if you're looking for a secret formula to live a long life, here's Dr. Mahathir's version in summary: Eat wisely (and not too much) Keep your weight stable (according to your own body mass index) Sleep enough (according to your own mind and body needs) Move a little (exercise, even if it's just walking 30 min a day) Avoid caffeine after lunch (so you get enough sleep) Stay curious (keep learning about something, so your brain also gets enough exercise) And write it all down (with pen and paper if you're feeling a little more classy than typing) Happy 100th birthday, Tun! You've outlived many, outthought most, and outwritten all. Thank you for sharing your secrets to your longevity. We wish you many more happy years to come. If you want to hear it straight from the man himself, watch the full interview with Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on CNA below, where he shares personal stories, laughs about bananas, and reflects on a century of life, leadership, and lessons. Read related:
Malay Mail
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Anwar: Dr Mahathir ‘at fault' on Batu Puteh, but Opposition will cry foul if we take a 100-year-old to court
KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 — The Cabinet has reportedly decided not to pursue legal action against former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad over Malaysia's withdrawal of its claim to Pulau Batu Puteh. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the decision was made in light of Dr Mahathir's age, despite the government maintaining he was at fault. 'We made the decision because it involves a former prime minister who is 100 years old,' Anwar told the Parliament, as quoted by New Straits Times. 'Is he not at fault? He is at fault. Should action be taken? We agreed not to take action.' Anwar added that any move to act against Dr Mahathir could lead to accusations of unfairness by the Opposition. In December 2024, a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) recommended a criminal investigation against Dr Mahathir under Section 415(b) and Section 418 of the Penal Code. The issue stems from his 2018 decision to withdraw Malaysia's application to review the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) ruling on Pulau Batu Puteh. In 2008, the ICJ ruled Batu Puteh belonged to Singapore, Middle Rocks to Malaysia, and South Ledge's ownership would depend on territorial waters delimitation. The RCI did not recommend filing a civil suit against the the former prime minister for misfeasance in public office due to the six-year limitation period for such actions. It also declined to suggest Malaysia submit a fresh request for interpretation to the ICJ, despite the option being available. Dr Mahathir said then he was prepared to face any investigation and emphasised his integrity during his time as prime minister. However, he alleged that the RCI was held to target him, and put all the blame on him for the loss of Malaysia's claim over the island.
Malay Mail
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
‘Kutty' row ends as Dr Mahathir, Zahid withdraw legal actions against each other
KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 — Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today agreed to withdraw their respective defamation lawsuits filed against each other at the High Court here. Dr Mahathir, 100, withdrew his suit against Ahmad Zahid, 73, over allegedly defamatory remarks related to the 'kutty' issue, without the right to refile the case. In return, Ahmad Zahid withdrew his suit accusing Dr Mahathir of abusing his position to interfere in his ongoing court case. He also dropped contempt of court proceedings related to a press conference held by Dr Mahathir at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex lobby on Dec 5 last year. Judicial Commissioner Gan Techiong allowed both applications and ordered the cases to be resolved without any order as to costs. Dr Mahathir had initially filed the suit over remarks allegedly made by Ahmad Zahid during the Kelana Jaya UMNO Division meeting on July 30, 2017, which were later published by several news portals. The contempt proceedings were related to Dr Mahathir's press conference, during which he displayed documents including his identity card after testifying in the suit against Ahmad Zahid. — Bernama
