Anwar’s suit against Pendang MP to be heard in Jan 2025

 

The defamation suit filed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim against Pendang MP Awang Solahuddin Hashim has its hearing rescheduled to January 2025.

Anwar's counsel Jaden Phoon Wai Ken said the court has rescheduled the trial, which was originally fixed for July 2026, to Jan 20 to 23 - as well as Feb 12 to 13, 2025.

"Thus, the previous dates in 2026 are vacated," he said after case management before j Ahmad Shahrir Mohd Salleh today.

On March 3, Anwar, as the plaintiff, filed a defamation suit against Awang (above, left) for alleged defamatory remarks made in the Parliament lobby when attending the Dewan Rakyat sitting on Feb 21.

According to Anwar, the remarks, which were recorded in audio and video formats, had been made public.

The Pakatan Harapan chairperson said the remarks implied that he was vindictive and vengeful and had abused his power as prime minister and finance minister by interfering, disrupting and arbitrarily instructing law enforcers and prosecutors to achieve his personal political agenda.

Anwar claimed that Awang had deliberately and maliciously uttered and published defamatory remarks to incite the public and create personal hatred against the prime minister - who is now leading the legitimate government and is committed to combating all forms of corruption.

He also contended the remarks have tarnished his reputation as a respectable leader locally and internationally.

As such, Anwar is seeking general, aggravated and exemplary damages and compensation as well as an injunction order to refrain the defendant or his agents from republishing the alleged defamatory remarks.

- Bernama