KUALA LUMPUR: The defamation suit filed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim against Pendang Member of Parliament Datuk Awang Solahuddin Hashim was settled amicably at the High Court here on Wednesday (Sept 23).
Anwar's lawyer, Datuk SN Nair, informed Judge Roslan Mat Nor that both parties had reached an agreement on the terms of settlement.
"Both parties wish to record the agreed terms. Accordingly, the plaintiff withdraws the suit with no order as to costs and without liberty to file afresh.
"Both parties have attached a copy of a mutually agreed public statement to the consent motion. We thank the court and learned counsel, and request that the scheduled trial dates be vacated," he said.
Meanwhile, lawyer Yusfarizal Yussoff, representing Awang Solahuddin, confirmed the matter.
Judge Roslan subsequently struck out the lawsuit with no order as to costs and without liberty to refile, while vacating the trial dates scheduled for October 26 to 29, 2026.
The judge expressed appreciation to Anwar and Awang Solahuddin for resolving the matter amicably and for Anwar's decision to withdraw the case.
According to a public statement obtained by the media, the parties said they had reached a final settlement after considering the implications and costs of continuing the defamation proceedings, as well as the need to prioritise matters of greater importance to the people and the nation.
Under the terms of the settlement, Awang Solahuddin humbly and unequivocally withdrew all statements he made on or around Feb 21, 2023, which formed the basis of the legal action, and agreed not to repeat or republish any such statements, or statements conveying a similar meaning, in the future.
Both parties also expressed their utmost appreciation to the judge and court officials involved for their professionalism, wisdom, and efficiency throughout the proceedings.
They also urged all parties to respect the resolution and refrain from using the case to undermine national harmony, unity, and stability.
Anwar filed the suit on March 3, 2023, over statements allegedly made by Awang Solahuddin in the Parliament lobby while attending a Dewan Rakyat sitting on Feb 21, 2023.
The statements, which were recorded and made public, allegedly implied that Anwar had abused his powers as Prime Minister and Finance Minister by interfering with, obstructing, or issuing arbitrary directives to law-enforcement and prosecution agencies for personal political purposes.
Anwar maintained that the remarks damaged his reputation as a respected national and international leader. – Bernama
