KUALA LUMPUR (June 6): The High Court on Thursday has fixed seven days from June 16, 2025, as the hearing date for a suit by Muhammed Yusoff Rawther, who was Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s former aide, against the prime minister for purported sexual assault.
The date is fixed by Judge Dr John Lee Kien How @ Mohd Johan Lee where the date was informed to Anwar and Yusoff's legal representatives via email on Thursday.
Anwar’s counsel Navpreet Singh said the court has fixed June 16 to 19, and 23 to 25, next year as the hearing date and also the hearing of Anwar’s counterclaim.
“There was no case management on Thursday but parties were informed via email from the High Court senior assistant registrar.
“At present, both parties are at the pre-trial stage, to prepare documentation,” Navpreet added.
Muhammed Yusoff filed the suit in July 2021 alleging the purported incident took place on Oct 2, 2018 at Anwar’s residence in Bukit Segambut, Kuala Lumpur.
He claimed that following the incident he lodged a police report on the matter. However, he was accused of plotting to bring Anwar down and damage the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president’s political career.
The alleged sexual assault and the accusation have allegedly affected his (Muhammed Yusoff’s) mental health. Following this, he is seeking special, general, aggravated and exemplary damages from Anwar, along with interests, costs and other relief deemed fit by the court.
Anwar, meanwhile, has denied the claim and filed a countersuit.
Last May 7, judge Mohd Johan had dismissed Muhammad Yusoff’s application to obtain his polygraph report from the police in a bid to support his claim.
In rejecting the former aide’s application, the judge said Muhammd Yusoff had not clearly elaborated on why it was relevant and is needed in the disposal of his civil case.
“A mere statement that it is relevant or necessary is insufficient [...] The application is unnecessary and will not assist in the fair disposal of the trial. It is also part of the investigation paper and thus a privileged document,” Mohd Johan said.
Mohd Johan also noted that a polygraph test report is not deemed to be reliable “in most, if not all” jurisdictions. Therefore, allowing the application would “only create more uncertainty” instead of assisting the court.
“I have to agree with the third parties that if this practice is allowed now, it would open the floodgates and become a trend by claimants out there to use the help of the police force to establish their private action in the civil courts. This must not be condoned,” he said.