Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad revealed his paternal roots trace back to Kerala(photo-wikipedia)
Courtroom Clash: Mahathir Defends Identity Amid Defamation Storm
On July 8, 2025, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, aged 100, took the stand in a defamation suit against Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, challenging remarks that questioned his ethnic and religious identity. Zahid had previously implied Mahathir was not born a Malay Muslim and had concealed his Indian heritage for political gain.
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Mahathir, visibly composed and articulate, refuted the claims with official documents, stating:
“My name is Mahathir Mohamad, and I have been a Malay Muslim since birth… My father was from Penang and was Malay, though he had ancestry from Kerala, Southern India. My mother was from Kedah, and both my parents were Malay.”
The former PM accused Zahid of portraying him as dishonest and unfit to lead, asserting that the remarks were intended to damage his reputation and legacy. He is seeking general, exemplary, and aggravated damages, along with an injunction to prevent further repetition of the claims.
The trial, held at the Kuala Lumpur High Court, has drawn national attention—not just for its legal stakes, but for the deeper questions it raises about ethnicity, identity, and political legitimacy in Malaysia.
Kerala Connection: A Legacy of Migration and Multiculturalism
Mahathir’s acknowledgment of his Kerala ancestry is not new, but its courtroom reiteration has reignited public discourse. His father, Mohamad Iskandar, was a schoolteacher from Penang with roots in Kerala, while his mother, Wan Tempawan Wan Hanapi, hailed from Kedah.
In past interviews, Mahathir has said:
“I am not ashamed to say I have Indian blood… but I am a Malay.”
This duality reflects Malaysia’s complex ethnic tapestry, where Malay identity is often defined by religion, language, and cultural assimilation rather than strict lineage. Mahathir’s rise to power as a Malay nationalist, despite his Indian roots, underscores the fluidity and fragility of identity politics in Southeast Asia.
His critics argue that he leveraged Malay identity for political gain while harboring biases against the Indian community. Mahathir denies these claims, stating that his policies were aimed at national development, not ethnic favoritism.
The case also touches on broader themes of postcolonial identity, migration history, and the role of ancestry in shaping political narratives.
Political Fallout: Reputation, Rivalry, and Reconciliation
The defamation suit is the latest chapter in Mahathir’s long-standing rivalry with Zahid Hamidi and the United Malays National Organization (UMNO). Zahid’s remarks, made in 2017, resurfaced in 2022, prompting Mahathir to file the lawsuit after failed attempts at reconciliation.
Mahathir’s legal team argues that Zahid’s statements were calculated to undermine his credibility ahead of elections. Zahid’s defense claims the remarks were based on public discourse and historical records.
The trial has also reignited Mahathir’s feud with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, a former protégé turned rival. While Anwar has remained silent on the case, political observers note that Mahathir’s courtroom appearance is a strategic move to reassert influence amid shifting alliances.
Despite losing his parliamentary seat in 2022, Mahathir remains a vocal critic of the current government, often penning op-eds and making public appearances. His centenarian status and enduring relevance make him a symbolic force in Malaysian politics.
Conclusion:
Mahathir Mohamad’s courtroom revelation about his Kerala ancestry is more than a personal statement, it’s a political reckoning. As Malaysia grapples with questions of identity, ethnicity, and leadership, the trial offers a rare glimpse into the intersection of heritage and power. Whether vindicated or vilified, Mahathir’s legacy continues to shape the nation’s narrative.
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