Anwar files defamation suit against Sanusi’s ‘immoral character’ inference

 

Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Md Nor said he would not apologise but rather face Anwar Ibrahim in court.

PETALING JAYA: Anwar Ibrahim has filed a defamation suit against Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Md Nor for allegedly insinuating he was immoral.

In the suit filed by Messrs S N Nair & Partners at the Alor Setar High Court, Anwar, the prime minister is seeking damages for slander and/or libel against Sanusi for damaging his reputation.

Sanusi allegedly made the remarks in a speech ahead of the general election. Subsequently, a video of the speech was posted on Facebook.

On Nov 17, Anwar demanded that Sanusi immediately retract his remarks. However, Sanusi said a day later that he would not apologise and was ready to face Anwar in court.

Anwar is also seeking an injunction against Sanusi from uttering, writing, publishing or distributing the impugned remarks that are deemed defamatory.

The contents of Sanusi’s speech were also reported in the media.

In the statement of claim, Anwar alleged that Sanusi implied that he had abused his powers as an MP, was deceitful, a traitor, a hypocrite and not a good Muslim.

Anwar said the previous Yang di-Pertuan Agong granted him a full pardon on June 16, 2018, for his three convictions – one for abuse of power and two for sodomy – on the basis that there was a “miscarriage of justice”.

He said the pardon was also granted on the basis that there was a conspiracy to destroy his character. - FMT