Latest news with #MuhammedYusoff
The Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
Anwar files appeal against High Court's dismissal of bid to refer immunity questions to apex court
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has filed a notice of appeal against the High Court's decision to dismiss his application to refer eight questions of law to the Federal Court, including whether he is immune from lawsuits. In the notice filed through Messrs Zain Megat & Murad on Thursday (June 5), Anwar said that he was unsatisfied over the entirety of the decision by Justice Roz Mawar Rozain who also ordered RM20,000 in costs to be paid to the plaintiff. The application by Anwar was in relation to a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by his former research assistant, Muhammad Yusoff Rawther, who claimed sexual assault by Anwar in 2018. On Wednesday (June 4), Justice Roz Mawar dismissed Anwar's application on grounds that the questions failed to meet the threshold for referral under the Federal Constitution and the Courts of Judicature Act. In her decision, she said the questions did not raise any substantial constitutional issues. Anwar filed the application on May 23, seeking the High Court, which is hearing the suit, to refer the legal questions to the apex court. The questions include whether, under Articles 39, 40 and 43 of the Federal Constitution, a sitting prime minister enjoys limited immunity from lawsuits involving allegations of personal conduct that occurred before his appointment. On July 14, 2021, Muhammed Yusoff filed the lawsuit against Anwar, claiming sexual assault. Anwar, in his defence, contended that the former had lied under oath to authorities regarding the alleged sexual assault incident. Anwar then filed a counterclaim on Sept 28, 2021, alleging that Muhammed Yusoff had fabricated the story about the sexual assault to tarnish his political career and prevent him from becoming prime minister.
The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
PM immunity: High Court to rule on legal questions referral tomorrow
KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court here today set tomorrow for its decision on an application by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to refer eight legal questions to the Federal Court, including whether a Prime Minister enjoys immunity from lawsuits. The legal questions relate to a lawsuit filed by Anwar's former research assistant, Muhammed Yusoff Rawther, concerning an alleged sexual assault seven years ago. Judge Roz Mawar Rozain fixed the date after hearing submissions from lawyer Alan Wong Teck Wei, representing Anwar, and lawyer Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, acting for Muhammed Yusoff, during in-chamber proceedings today. Anwar filed the application on May 23, seeking to have the High Court, which is hearing the suit, refer the eight legal questions to the Federal Court. The eight legal questions include whether, under Articles 39, 40 and 43 of the Federal Constitution, a sitting Prime Minister enjoys limited immunity from lawsuits concerning allegations of personal conduct that occurred before his appointment. According to a supporting affidavit for the application, lawyer Datuk Megat Abdul Munir Megat Abdullah Rafaie, who is authorised to represent the defendant (Anwar), said that if the suit were to proceed, it would affect Anwar's ability to effectively perform his executive functions and undermine the doctrine of separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution. 'The plaintiff's (Muhammed Yusoff's) claim is politically motivated and, if not examined constitutionally at an early stage, could erode public confidence, diminish the dignity of the constitutional office, and disrupt the executive's ability to perform its constitutional duties,' Megat Abdul Munir said in the affidavit. Megat Abdul Munir further stated that if the court intends to refer these constitutional questions to the Federal Court as a special case, it would be appropriate for the suit's proceedings to be stayed pending the Federal Court's determination of these questions. Muhammed Yusoff filed the suit on July 14, 2021, and Anwar, in his statement of defence, contended that Muhammed Yusoff had lied under oath to the authorities regarding the alleged sexual assault incident. The PKR President, who filed a counterclaim on Sept 28, 2021, alleged that Muhammed Yusoff had fabricated the story about the sexual assault to tarnish his political career and prevent him from becoming prime minister. The High Court last year set June 16 to 19 and June 23 to 25, 2025, for the hearing of the lawsuit.
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Malay Mail
Can a PM be sued? High Court to rule on Anwar's immunity bid tomorrow
KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 — The High Court here today set tomorrow for its decision on an application by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to refer eight legal questions to the Federal Court, including whether a Prime Minister enjoys immunity from lawsuits. The legal questions relate to a lawsuit filed by Anwar's former research assistant, Muhammed Yusoff Rawther, concerning an alleged sexual assault seven years ago. Judge Roz Mawar Rozain fixed the date after hearing submissions from lawyer Alan Wong Teck Wei, representing Anwar, and lawyer Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, acting for Muhammed Yusoff, during in-chamber proceedings today. Anwar filed the application on May 23, seeking to have the High Court, which is hearing the suit, refer the eight legal questions to the Federal Court. The eight legal questions include whether, under Articles 39, 40 and 43 of the Federal Constitution, a sitting Prime Minister enjoys limited immunity from lawsuits concerning allegations of personal conduct that occurred before his appointment. According to a supporting affidavit for the application, lawyer Datuk Megat Abdul Munir Megat Abdullah Rafaie, who is authorised to represent the defendant (Anwar), said that if the suit were to proceed, it would affect Anwar's ability to effectively perform his executive functions and undermine the doctrine of separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution. 'The plaintiff's (Muhammed Yusoff's) claim is politically motivated and, if not examined constitutionally at an early stage, could erode public confidence, diminish the dignity of the constitutional office, and disrupt the executive's ability to perform its constitutional duties,' Megat Abdul Munir said in the affidavit. Megat Abdul Munir further stated that if the court intends to refer these constitutional questions to the Federal Court as a special case, it would be appropriate for the suit's proceedings to be stayed pending the Federal Court's determination of these questions. Muhammed Yusoff filed the suit on July 14, 2021, and Anwar, in his statement of defence, contended that Muhammed Yusoff had lied under oath to the authorities regarding the alleged sexual assault incident. The PKR President, who filed a counterclaim on September 28, 2021, alleged that Muhammed Yusoff had fabricated the story about the sexual assault to tarnish his political career and prevent him from becoming prime minister. The High Court last year set June 16 to 19 and June 23 to 25, 2025, for the hearing of the lawsuit. — Bernama
The Sun
28-04-2025
- The Sun
Yusoff Rawther trial: Prosecution closes case, decision June 12
KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court today set June 12 to decide whether former research assistant to a politician, Muhammed Yusoff Rawther, should enter his defence or be acquitted of charges of distributing cannabis and possessing two imitation firearms. Judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin set the date after Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Sabri Othman informed the court that the prosecution had closed its case today after calling 13 prosecution witnesses during the trial, which began on April 7. 'The parties must file written submissions on or before May 13, and the court has set June 12 for the decision,' the judge said. Earlier, Mohd Sabri informed the court that a total of 13 prosecution witnesses had testified, and the prosecution had offered seven witnesses to the defence. Among the witnesses called during the trial were chemist Harlisa Haidhir Harminder, investigating officers, and police officers. Meanwhile, lawyer Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, representing Muhammed Yusoff, said the defence team would interview the witnesses offered by the prosecution. Earlier, investigating officer Insp Muhammad Zuhairi Md Zuhir, 36, who served in the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division of the Dang Wangi Police Headquarters, told the court that the police found a lump suspected to be cannabis in a Nissan Teana vehicle belonging to Muhammed Yusoff when they searched the vehicle in front of the surau at the Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters (IPKKL) last year. The 13th prosecution witness said that the initial search of the vehicle was to find ammunition for firearms that had already been discovered. However, further inspection uncovered the drugs. 'My investigation found that there was no information regarding drugs received by the complainant (Insp Wan Muhammad Wan Ali) about the accused or the vehicle the accused was in. 'The drugs were found after further inspection by the complainant in the parking area in front of the surau at IPKKL,' he said during examination-in-chief by Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohamad Shahrizzat Amadan. When questioned on the recorded statement regarding Ops Laras and whether he investigated the tip-off, Muhammad Zuhairi said he had inquired, and Wan Muhammad stated it involved information about an individual possessing a firearm in a vehicle. 'The complainant (Insp Wan Muhammad) received a call while in the office, but the caller's identity could not be verified. After observing, he saw an individual approach the vehicle, leading to a raid where the firearm was found as per the tip-off,' the witness said. In earlier proceedings, Wan Muhammad, from the Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Intelligence division, testified that at 5 am on Sept 6, 2024, an unidentified male caller reported a weapon in a vehicle parked near a condominium. However, the caller did not identify himself, speaking only in Malay. Muhammed Yusoff is charged with trafficking 305 grammes of cannabis in his vehicle near the IPKKL at 10.15 am on Sept 6 last year, under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and punishable by mandatory life imprisonment and a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane. He also faces charges for possessing two imitation pistols near a condominium in Jalan Bukit Kiara at 9.25 am on the same day, under Section 36(1) of the Arms Act 1960, carrying a maximum one-year jail term, a fine up to RM5,000, or both.
The Star
28-04-2025
- The Star
Yusoff Rawther trial: Prosecution closes case, decision June 12
KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court on Monday (April 28) set June 12 to decide whether former research assistant to a politician, Muhammed Yusoff Rawther, should enter his defence or be acquitted of charges of distributing cannabis and possessing two imitation firearms. Judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin set the date after Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Sabri Othman informed the court that the prosecution had closed its case today after calling 13 prosecution witnesses during the trial, which began on April 7. "The parties must file written submissions on or before May 13, and the court has set June 12 for the decision," the judge said. Earlier, Mohd Sabri informed the court that a total of 13 prosecution witnesses had testified, and the prosecution had offered seven witnesses to the defence. Among the witnesses called during the trial were chemist Harlisa Haidhir Harminder, investigating officers, and police officers. Meanwhile, lawyer Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, representing Muhammed Yusoff, said the defence team would interview the witnesses offered by the prosecution. Earlier, investigating officer Insp Muhammad Zuhairi Md Zuhir, 36, who served in the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division (IPKKL) of the Dang Wangi Police Headquarters, told the court that the police found a lump suspected to be cannabis in a Nissan Teana vehicle belonging to Muhammed Yusoff when they searched the vehicle in front of the surau at the Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters last year. The 13th prosecution witness said that the initial search of the vehicle was to find ammunition for firearms that had already been discovered. However, further inspection uncovered the drugs. "My investigation found that there was no information regarding drugs received by the complainant (Insp Wan Muhammad Wan Ali) about the accused or the vehicle the accused was in. "The drugs were found after further inspection by the complainant in the parking area in front of the surau at IPKKL," he said during examination-in-chief by Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohamad Shahrizzat Amadan. When questioned on the recorded statement regarding Ops Laras and whether he investigated the tip-off, Muhammad Zuhairi said he had inquired, and Wan Muhammad stated it involved information about an individual possessing a firearm in a vehicle. "The complainant (Insp Wan Muhammad) received a call while in the office, but the caller's identity could not be verified. After observing, he saw an individual approach the vehicle, leading to a raid where the firearm was found as per the tip-off," the witness said. In earlier proceedings, Wan Muhammad, from the Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Intelligence division, testified that at 5am on Sept 6, 2024, an unidentified male caller reported a weapon in a vehicle parked near a condominium. However, the caller did not identify himself, speaking only in Malay. Muhammed Yusoff is charged with trafficking 305 grammes of cannabis in his vehicle near the IPKKL at 10.15 am on Sept 6 last year, under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and punishable by mandatory life imprisonment and a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane. He also faces charges for possessing two imitation pistols near a condominium in Jalan Bukit Kiara at 9.25 am on the same day, under Section 36(1) of the Arms Act 1960, carrying a maximum one-year jail term, a fine up to RM5,000, or both. - Bernama
