'Not easy for even TunM to sue PMX as he has great persuasive power to delay trial'
Filed on Tuesday (Aug 12) which was two days after his 78th birthday on Aug 10, this would have constituted the third high-profile civil suit filed against PMX.
The two existing cases are a defamation suit by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad demanding an apology and damages of RM150 mil and that by PMX's former research assistant Mohammed Yusoff Rawther alleging sexual assault.
'With another civil suit against him (PMX), it is no wonder that he and his supporters are feeling desperate. Who knows if more civil suits will be filed,' penned Kadir in his latest Facebook post.
'However, under the Westminster system which is the model of our government, the PM possesses great power to persuade. He can use many methods to delay the trial.'
No express trail for TunM's suit
For the record, Waytha who is also the Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF)/Malaysian Advancement Party (MAP) founder wants the High Court to declare that PMX's election as the Tambun MP on Nov 19, 2022 and his subsequent appointment as PM on Nov 24 that year are null and void.
This is on the grounds that the pardon by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 2018 did not state that PMX was exempted from losing the right to contest for a five-year period from the date of his release from prison.
As it is, the Article 48(1)(e) in the Federal Constitution prohibits a criminal sentenced to more than one year in prison and a fine of more than RM2,000 from contesting elections for five years after his release.
Recall that PMX was sentenced to five years in prison by the Federal Court in 2015 in his second sodomy case.
In addition to PMX's influence, Kadir contended that judicial bureaucracy also stood in the way as has happened the trial of Dr Mahathir's suit.
'It was submitted on May 5, 2023. It has been more than two years. The judge has changed twice. Now a third one will be appointed,' recounted the national journalism laureate.
'In the Yusoff Rawther case, the trial was delayed because last May Anwar asked the High Court to allow him to refer eight questions to the Federal Court pertaining to his 'immunity' as PM.
'We've to understand that even by changing lawyers, the trial can be delayed. That is what Anwar did on May 28. He changed the line of lawyers representing him in the Yusoff Rawther suit.'
'Playing the delay game'
Given the afore-mentioned circumstances, Kadir is of the view that both PMX's backers who are hoping for an immediate clean-up of their idol's name as well as opposition supporters who want him to be removed as soon as possible are bound to be disappointed.
'These cases cannot be completed in a month or two. It can even drag on for years. There're civil cases that have been going on for more than a decade but have not been resolved,' asserted the former group editor-in-chief of mainstream New Straits Times.
'So there is no big problem for Anwar's lawyers to delay the trial of these civil cases until the next general election which must be held no later than February 17, 2028.'
Instead of hoping for the impossible to materialise, Kadir who was Dr Mahathir's media and communications adviser during the latter's second premiership suggested that 'the best thing for the opposition and their supporters is to use these cases as political campaign material'.
'In many ways, whether from an official or personal perspective, the PM is vulnerable. He can be reprimanded, criticised and even sued. Even to holding mass protests so that he is removed,' observed the veteran newsman.
'As a reminder, as I wrote briefly in my FB page on Tuesday (Aug 12), 'If you aspire to become a public figure, the best policy is not to be found guilty'.' – Aug 14, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Decades-long wait ends as Melaka hands over 47 approval letter for railway reserve land
ALOR GAJAH: After more than 30 years, the issue involving railway reserve land in Pengkalan here has been resolved, with the Melaka government handing over 47 approval letters for state land application, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. He said the handover ceremony reflected the state government's concern in understanding the community's needs and ensuring that every policy and development project delivers a positive impact on the people's lives. "A total of 45 applications involved the Pengkalan railway reserve land that had been delayed for three decades, and two plots for temples. "Also approved was Tenaga Nasional Bhd's (TNB) application to place a substation on Plot 1, Mukim Kelemak, Alor Gajah district, which will provide electricity to residential, commercial, hospital, and government office areas, benefiting more than 3,050 users," he said today. He said this at the handover of the approval letters in conjunction with the Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat (WRUR) programme for the Rembia state constituency, which was also attended by the coordinator for the constituency, Datuk Fairul Nizam Roslan. He said this year, 96 state land applications have been approved in the district, followed by the issuance of Notice 5A by the land administrator. Notice 5A is an official document informing applicants of the fees due, including document preparation and registration costs, that they must pay to obtain the land titles. "It is on this land that new homes will be built, gardens will be filled with flowers, children will run and play, and families will gather every weekend. "Its value is not merely measured in square feet, but in the space to build a life and pass down a legacy of peace to future generations," he said. He said the state government imposes land premiums below market rates, ranging between RM9,000 and RM25,000, depending on the land size, compared to hundreds of thousands of ringgit. "A special five per cent discount is offered to Notice 5A recipients who settle payment within three months, subject to the condition that no extension requests or appeals for premium reduction are made," he added. – Bernama
The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
CUEPACS praises govt initiatives for civil servants at MAPPA XX
PUTRAJAYA: The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public Service (CUEPACS) has welcomed key government initiatives announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the 20th Majlis Amanat Perdana Perkhidmatan Awam (MAPPA XX). CUEPACS president Datuk Dr Adnan Mat praised the relaxation of Haj pilgrimage requirements for unconfirmed civil servants. 'This move is a positive step, allowing those who have been granted their Haj turn but are not yet confirmed in their positions to perform the pilgrimage,' Adnan said at a press conference. He noted that the decision aligns with CUEPACS' earlier requests and helps civil servants fulfil religious obligations sooner. Adnan also commended the extension of the lifelong learning programme through INTAN until 2026 with an allocation of up to RM15,000. 'This initiative provides civil servants with the opportunity to enhance their skills and pursue higher education, enabling them to serve the public more effectively,' he said. He highlighted that civil servants will now have greater opportunities to upgrade qualifications and gain advanced certifications. Another key announcement was the one-off academic recognition rewards for civil servants who self-funded their studies. 'The one-off recognition is truly appreciated as it acknowledges the hard work and personal sacrifices of civil servants who have pursued education on their own,' Adnan said. Rewards ranging from RM500 to RM1,250 will be given to eligible civil servants. Adnan also addressed the Prime Minister's call for civil servants to embrace change to avoid falling behind. 'Civil servants must be proactive in embracing change to keep pace with the evolving world,' he said. He stressed that outdated mindsets of comfort and complacency must be replaced with continuous transformation. Adnan added that such efforts will ensure the public service remains relevant and effective in serving the nation. - Bernama
Barnama
7 hours ago
- Barnama
CUEPACS Welcomes Govt Initiatives Announced At MAPPA XX
PUTRAJAYA, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public Service (CUEPACS) expressed its appreciation to the government following several key announcements made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the 20th edition of the Majlis Amanat Perdana Perkhidmatan Awam (MAPPA XX). One of the key announcements was the relaxation of Haj pilgrimage requirements for civil servants who have not yet been confirmed in their positions, a decision welcomed by its president Datuk Dr Adnan Mat as it benefits those awaiting confirmation but already having their turn for the pilgrimage. 'This move is a positive step, allowing those who have been granted their Haj turn but are not yet confirmed in their positions to perform the pilgrimage,' Adnan told a press conference here today. He added that this decision was one of CUEPACS' requests and lauded the government for offering civil servants the opportunity to fulfil this religious obligation sooner. In addition, Adnan also commended the continuation of the lifelong learning programme through the National Institute of Public Administration (INTAN), which will run until 2026 with an allocation of up to RM15,000. 'This initiative provides civil servants with the opportunity to enhance their skills and pursue higher education, enabling them to serve the public more effectively. 'From now until 2026, civil servants will have greater opportunities to upgrade their qualifications and gain advanced certifications,' he said. Another important announcement, according to Adnan, was the government's provision of one-off academic recognition rewards for civil servants. The rewards, ranging from RM500 to RM1,250, will be given to those who have completed their studies independently, without government funding. 'The one-off recognition is truly appreciated as it acknowledges the hard work and personal sacrifices of civil servants who have pursued education on their own, at their own expense,' Adnan said.
