Court Decision On Dr M's Application To Strike Out Anwar's Suit Fixed For July 4

Bernama reports that the High Court at Kuala Lumpur today fixed July 4 to deliver its decision on former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's application to strike out the defamation suit brought by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim against Dr Mahathir for accusing Anwar of being a homosexual at a conference two years ago.

Judicial Commissioner Datuk Tengku Maimon Tuan Mat fixed the date after hearing submissions from both sides.

On Jan 5, Dr Mahathir had applied to strike out Anwar's suit, claiming that it was scandalous, frivolous or vexatious.

On Jan 26 last year, Anwar filed the defamation suit against Dr Mahathir, claiming that Dr Mahathir's remarks were highly defamatory.

In his statement of claim, Anwar said Dr Mahathir was fully aware that his remarks were mainly aimed at humiliating him (Anwar) in his personal and official capacity as former finance minister and former deputy prime minister and that they would be published in the local and foreign media.

Besides general and exemplary damages, Anwar is also seeking an injunction to stop Dr Mahathir or his agents from uttering or publishing such remarks in future.

Dr Mahathir, in his statement of defence, said he relied on qualified privilege as former prime minister in making his statement.

He said the remarks were made at a conference organised by the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) where qualified privilege was applicable as spelt out in the Defamation Act 1957.

Dr Mahathir also said that the Sept 9 2005 remarks were made in the interest of the public and it was his moral duty to inform of Anwar's misconduct.

Image - Dr M
Image - Anwar