Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has filed a defamation lawsuit against PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man over remarks allegedly made during a political speech in Pahang in June.
Anwar, as the plaintiff, filed the suit through law firm S.N. Nair & Partners at the High Court here on Monday, naming Tuan Ibrahim as the defendant.
According to the statement of claim, Tuan Ibrahim allegedly made defamatory remarks referring to Anwar during a political gathering at Felda Jenderak Utara, Kuala Krau, on June 14 in front of members of the public and media representatives.
Anwar said a video clip of the speech was uploaded, published or republished the following day on the YouTube account “@Malaysianometry” under the headline “Tuan Ibrahim: Pengulas bola direhatkan lepas sertai Pas, ini tanda-tanda PH nak mampus”.
The plaintiff claimed that, as of the filing of the lawsuit, the 11-minute video had received more than 20,000 views, 482 likes and 65 comments, while remaining accessible to the public for viewing and sharing.
Anwar further claimed that Tuan Ibrahim published the video containing the alleged defamatory remarks on his official Facebook account, “@Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man”, at 8.08am on June 15. The video was subsequently uploaded to the “Pas Pahang” Facebook account on June 24.
According to the Prime Minister, the alleged defamatory statements directly referred to his identity, character, integrity, position and profession, including his role as Prime Minister.
He described the statements as untrue, false, baseless, excessive and malicious, claiming they were made and published without reasonable factual or evidential basis.
The statement of claim also stated that Anwar had never instructed, influenced or caused the Royal Malaysia Police to investigate or take action against any individual simply because that person had criticised him, the government or any member of its administration.
Anwar also denied ever interfering, directly or indirectly, in the process of determining, selecting, voting for or appointing the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan through the constitutional or customary procedures applicable in the state.
He claimed that the defendant’s actions had caused serious damage to his reputation, character, dignity, integrity, credibility and standing, both personally and in his capacities as Prime Minister, Finance Minister, PKR president, Pakatan Harapan chairman and Tambun Member of Parliament.
Anwar is seeking an injunction to prevent Tuan Ibrahim or his representatives from continuing to publish or republish the alleged defamatory statements.
He is also seeking an order for the defendant to remove the alleged defamatory publications from any social media accounts, platforms or publications under his possession, custody or control.
In addition to general damages, Anwar is seeking aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as any other relief deemed fair and appropriate by the court.
