Anwar denies seeking immunity after losing bid to refer Yusoff Rawther's suit to apex court
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today said he wanted to ensure that high public office is protected from litigation that may be strategically timed, politically motivated, or institutionally disruptive.
PETALING JAYA : Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has rejected suggestions that he is seeking personal immunity from legal proceedings, after the High Court dismissed his application to refer eight legal questions arising from a civil suit filed by a former aide to the Federal Court.
Anwar's remarks come amid public and political debate surrounding a civil suit filed by former research assistant Yusoff Rawther, in which questions have arisen about whether the prime minister is seeking legal immunity to avoid standing trial.
'This matter has never been about seeking personal immunity or escaping legal scrutiny,' said Anwar in a Facebook post.
'It concerns the integrity of our constitutional system and the need to ensure that high public office is protected from litigation that may be strategically timed, politically motivated, or institutionally disruptive.
'I remain fully committed to the rule of law, the independence of our courts, and the dignity of democratic governance.'
Anwar said the legal process will continue as required, and that he will 'continue to discharge (his) responsibilities without distraction or compromise'.
At a press conference after the High Court decision, his lawyer, K Rajasegaran, said Anwar's legal team will immediately file an appeal to the Court of Appeal.
Rajasegaran said the eight questions submitted are neither abstract nor academic in nature, but pertain to serious and unresolved constitutional issues.
Last Tuesday, Anwar filed an application asking the Kuala Lumpur High Court to refer eight questions of law to the Federal Court for determination, including whether he has immunity from the civil suit brought against him by Yusoff four years ago.
He said he wanted the apex court to rule whether Articles 39, 40 and 43 of the Federal Constitution grant him qualified immunity from the suit.
Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin then criticised Anwar, stating that Article 8(1) of the Federal Constitution guarantees equality under the law.
Hamzah said no one, not even the prime minister, is above the law.
The eight questions of law are linked to a civil suit filed by Yusoff over alleged incidents that took place before Anwar assumed office on Nov 24, 2022.
Yusoff, a grandson of the late Penang consumer advocate SM Mohamed Idris, claims he was assaulted at Anwar's home in Segambut in October 2018.
He is seeking general, special, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as interest, costs and other relief deemed fit by the court.
Anwar denies the claim and has filed a countersuit.
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