Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Pendang MP Awang Hashim have reached an amicable settlement in a defamation suit filed by Anwar three years ago.
Anwar’s lawyer, Sankara Nair, informed the High Court that both parties had agreed to resolve the dispute, with Anwar withdrawing the suit without liberty to file it again and with no order as to costs.
Awang’s lawyer, Yusfarizal Yusoff, confirmed the agreement, following which judicial commissioner Roslan Mat Nor struck out the suit according to the agreed terms.
The court also vacated the trial dates scheduled for next month.
In a joint statement tendered in court, both parties said they had decided to settle the dispute after considering that other issues were more important and should be prioritised in the interests of the people and the country.
They also said they had taken into account the implications of continuing the defamation proceedings, including the legal costs that would be incurred by both sides.
Under the settlement, Awang “with humility and without reservation” withdrew the statements he made on or around Feb 21, 2023, which formed the basis of the suit. He also agreed not to repeat or republish those statements, or statements carrying the same or substantially similar meaning, in future.
Both parties expressed hope that the settlement would be accepted and respected, and that the dispute would no longer be politicised or used as material that could affect the country’s harmony, unity and stability.
Anwar filed the suit in March 2023 over remarks allegedly made by Awang during a press conference outside the Dewan Rakyat on Feb 21 that year concerning Anwar’s appointment as prime minister and allegations of selective prosecution.
