Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim today urged Anwar Ibrahim to step down while the Federal Court deliberates on the prime minister’s eligibility for immunity from civil lawsuits.
Taking to Twitter, he said such an action would be deemed proper in the pursuit of justice and fairness.
Free Malaysia Today reported that Anwar had last week filed an application with the High Court, requesting that eight constitutional questions be referred to the Federal Court, centred on whether he gets immunity from civil proceedings initiated by Yusoff Rawther, his former research assistant.
In 2021, Yusoff filed a civil action over the allegation that Anwar sexually assaulted him at the PKR president’s office in October 2018.

“When the PM himself is embroiled in allegations of immoral criminal misconduct, it’s only proper that the PM steps down while the Federal Court looks for answers. Such an action by the PM would give some breathing space to our top judges to decide the case without fear or favour.
“The answers to the question posed would have far-reaching effects on the rule of law in the country. It’s comparable to Donald Trump’s recent referral to the US Supreme Court (Trump vs United States 2024) on his claim for immunity. There, the court ruled that the immunity does not extend to unofficial conduct and personal misconduct,” he said.
Zaid also questioned if police investigations on the matter were professionally done and why Yusoff’s polygraph test was allegedly not taken into account.
He added that such concerns are warranted, especially since the allegation was levelled against Anwar.
“Yusoff was his personal assistant, and it makes sense for the PM to do everything possible (as a man of integrity) to make justice available to him.
“Surely, he does not wish the power of his office to be brought to bear on those who are asked to decide where justice should lie between Anwar and Yusoff,” Zaid said.
What Anwar is seeking
Free Malaysia Today reported yesterday that Anwar is seeking a definitive ruling from Malaysia’s highest court on whether Articles 39, 40, and 43 of the Federal Constitution provide him with qualified immunity against legal action brought by Yusoff four years ago.
The report stated that the civil suit concerns incidents that purportedly occurred before Anwar assumed the office on Nov 24, 2022.

Through his recently engaged legal team at Messrs Zain Megat & Murad, it is understood that Anwar filed the application last week, asking the court to determine whether allowing the lawsuit to proceed would compromise his ability to effectively perform his executive responsibilities and breach the constitutional doctrine of separation of powers.
Additionally, Anwar is reportedly requesting the Federal Court to consider whether permitting the case to continue would violate his constitutional right to equal treatment under Article 8(1), particularly given his assertion that the proceedings represent an abuse of the legal process.
FMT reported Anwar characterising the lawsuit as being founded on a “manufactured claim” and described himself as the target of “politically motivated reputational sabotage”.
Additionally, he is seeking a Federal Court determination that the High Court must conduct a “threshold inquiry” to establish whether the suit amounts to process abuse or poses a threat to the public interest, and if established, whether proceedings should be halted or dismissed to preserve constitutional governance.
The application additionally requests clarification on whether Anwar, in his capacity as the prime minister, is entitled under Article 5(1) of the Federal Constitution to “protection from a vexatious litigant” who brings lawsuits that are tactically scheduled or politically orchestrated to compromise his governance capacity.
The reference is being pursued under Article 128(2) of the Federal Constitution.
Anwar also reportedly contended that the trial before judge Roz Mawar Rozain should be suspended while the apex court considers the matter.
Anwar’s lawyer Megat Abdul Munir Megat Abdullah Rafaie reportedly affirmed the supporting affidavit and stressed that the application was not intended to postpone the trial, but to guarantee that any judicial determination proceeds fairly and within legal parameters.
Megat said the questions presented satisfy the referral criteria established in Section 84 of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964.
Rafique Rashid Ali, counsel for Yusoff, was also reported to have confirmed receipt of the legal documents from Anwar’s solicitors, adding that online case management has been fixed for 1pm today.
The application will come before Roz Mawar, who must assess whether the matter satisfies the necessary threshold for referral to the Federal Court.
What is the case about?
Yusoff came into the limelight on Dec 4, 2019, during a press conference where he revealed his statutory declaration containing the sexual assault allegation against Anwar.
The Attorney-General’s Chambers announced on Jan 14, 2020, that there was a lack of evidence to charge Anwar in the criminal courts over the allegation.
In his statement of claim for the suit filed then, Yusoff sought a declaration that Anwar perpetrated sexual assault and/or trespassed against him.
He is also seeking RM180 per therapy session, exemplary damages, court costs, five percent per annum interest on any possible judgment sum, and other miscellaneous costs or damages.
In his statement of defence and counterclaim filed in September 2021, the Tambun MP rubbished the sexual assault allegation as “false and fabricated” as well as driven by an intent to “tarnish Anwar’s political image and to ensure that Anwar did not become prime minister”. - Mkini
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