KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 10): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has filed a defamation suit against PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man over statements allegedly made during a political speech in Pahang in June and uploaded on Facebook. 

Anwar’s lawyer, Datuk Sankara Nair, said the suit was filed at the High Court at 8.06pm on Monday.

The proceedings stem from allegedly false and defamatory statements made by Tuan Ibrahim during a political speech at Felda Jenderak Utara, Kuala Krau, Pahang, on or around June 14.

The statements allegedly accused Anwar of abusing his power to influence police investigations and interfering in the appointment of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, among other claims.

The statement of claim stated that the alleged defamatory statements were made in the presence of members of the public as well as press and media representatives.

The suit also concerns the subsequent publication and republication of the alleged statements through video recordings and social media platforms, including YouTube and Facebook.

Anwar is seeking damages for slander and/or slander per se and, alternatively, libel and/or libel per se.

Among the reliefs sought are general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as an injunction restraining Tuan Ibrahim from further uttering, publishing, republishing or disseminating the alleged defamatory statements or statements carrying the same or substantially similar meanings.

Anwar is also seeking an order for the removal of the alleged defamatory publications from social media accounts, platforms and publications within Tuan Ibrahim’s possession, custody or control.

The claim also seeks interest, costs and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.