00:00Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad showed the media several documents including copies of his old identification
00:07card as well as those of his wife and children and their original birth certificates to confirm
00:13his identity as a Malay Muslim.
00:16The former Prime Minister, who had earlier testified in his defamation lawsuit against
00:21UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in the High Court, said the copies were obtained
00:28from the National Registration Department.
01:28During court proceedings, Dr Mahathir, through his lawyer Mohamad Rafiq Rashid Ali, stated
01:38that his responsibilities as Prime Minister were among the reasons why he had not filed
01:43the lawsuit sooner.
01:45He however added that when Ahmad Zahid initiated legal action, it was something he could not
01:50ignore and decided to sue the UMNO leader.
01:54Dr Mahathir said Ahmad Zahid's speech had an impact because of his high position as
01:59Deputy Prime Minister and UMNO Deputy President at the time.
02:04Asked why he did not initiate legal action against others who made similar remarks, he
02:09said statements by other individuals do not affect him if they are not significant figures.
02:15The proceedings, presided over by Judicial Commissioner Gan Tetyong, will resume on Monday.
02:23For more information, visit www.fema.gov
