The hearing for Dr Mahathir Mohamad's defamation suit against Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, relating to alleged defamatory statements about the “kutty” issue originally set for today, has been adjourned to July 19.

Judicial commissioner Gan Techiong granted the postponement after an application by Mahathir's lawyer Mior Nor Haidir Suhaimi who informed that his client has been admitted to the National Heart Institute (IJN) since Jan 26.

The hospital had also sent a letter to the court indicating that the 98-year-old former premier was unable to attend proceedings today due to his health condition.

A spokesperson for Mahathir later said he was receiving treatment for an infection.

“Tun (Dr Mahathir) is receiving treatment for infection at IJN, followed by a subsequent rest period for optimal recovery,” the spokesperson said via WhatsApp.

New trial dates

Mior, who was assisted by lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali, asked the court to postpone the trial.

"Our client was given a sick leave certificate by the IJN from Jan 26 to Feb 18. We request that today's trial be postponed,” he said.

Mohamed Shahrul Fazli Kamarulzaman, who represented Zahid, 71, suggested that the trial begin in October, but Gan objected saying it should be earlier due to the plaintiff’s advanced age.

“We can vacate other cases to accommodate this trial. Most probably, Mahathir is one of the oldest plaintiffs in this court,” said Gan.

After approving the adjournment, the court set new trial dates for July 19, Aug 26 to 27, and Oct 29 to 30.

Mior conveyed to the court that Mahathir and his son Mukhriz would be presented as witnesses during the trial.

Shahrul specified that the deputy prime minister and another subpoenaed witness were scheduled to testify at the trial.

- Bernama

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