KUALA LUMPUR (June 4): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said his move to refer legal questions arising from a civil suit filed against him by a former aide to the Federal Court was intended to protect the integrity of high public office and not to seek personal immunity or evade legal scrutiny.
Anwar said the move was about safeguarding the country’s constitutional system and ensuring that high public office is protected from litigation that may be "strategically timed, politically motivated, or institutionally disruptive".
"This matter has never been about seeking personal immunity or escaping legal scrutiny," Anwar said in a statement on Wednesday (June 4).
Earlier on Wednesday, the High Court rejected Anwar’s application to refer legal questions to the Federal Court including on whether a sitting prime minister has qualified immunity from civil suits during his tenure.
Following the court's decision, the sexual assault trial involving his former aide, Muhammed Yusoff Rawther, is set to proceed as scheduled on June 16.
Anwar's counsel told the media that his team will file an appeal, along with a certificate of urgency. They will also request a stay of proceedings.
In his statement, Anwar reaffirmed that while the legal process will continue, he remains fully committed to the rule of law, the independence of the courts, and the dignity of democratic governance.
He added that he will continue to discharge his responsibilities without distraction or compromise.