Anwar Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Tuan Ibrahim Over Political Speech

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 — The Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has officially filed a defamation lawsuit against PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man at the High Court here, citing defamatory statements made during a political address in Pahang last June.

According to the statement of claim filed through his legal representatives, the Anwar alleges that the opposition leader made defamatory remarks directly referencing him during a political speech at Felda Jenderak Utara, Kuala Krau, on June 14, in the presence of members of the public and media representatives.

The court filing details that a video clip of the speech was subsequently published on the YouTube account ‘@Malaysianometry’ on June 15 under the title “Tuan Ibrahim: ‘Pengulas bola direhatkan lepas sertai PAS, ini tanda-tanda PH nak mampus’”. As of the date the suit was filed, the 11-minute video clip had gathered more than 20,000 views, 482 likes, and 65 comments, while remaining publicly accessible, viewable, and shareable.

The plaintiff further noted that at 8:08 a.m. on June 15, Tuan Ibrahim published a video clip containing the alleged defamatory remarks on his official Facebook account, while the video was republished on the state party’s Facebook page on June 24.

The statement of claim contends that the defamatory words specifically and directly targeted the Prime Minister’s character, integrity, position, profession, and status. The plaintiff emphasized that the remarks were untrue, false, baseless, excessive, and malicious, published without reasonable facts or supporting evidence.

“The plaintiff has never directed, caused, influenced or caused the Royal Malaysia Police to investigate or take action against any individual solely because the individual had criticised the plaintiff, the government or any member of its administration,” the statement of claim stated.

Anwar also clarified that he has never interfered, directly or indirectly, in determining, selecting, voting for, or appointing the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan within the constitutional or customary processes relating to the state.

As a result of the defendant’s actions, the Prime Minister stated that he has suffered serious damage to his reputation, character, dignity, integrity, credibility, good name, and standing, both personally and in his capacities as Prime Minister, Finance Minister, party president, coalition chairman, and Member of Parliament.

To remediate the situation, Anwar is seeking a court injunction to restrain the defendant or his representatives from further publishing or republishing the defamatory words. He is also requesting a court order compelling the defendant to remove and delete the defamatory publications from all social media accounts, platforms, or publications within his possession, custody, or control.

In addition to the removal orders and injunctive relief, the Prime Minister is seeking general, aggravated, and exemplary damages, alongside any other relief deemed just and appropriate by the High Court.

–NMT