KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 12) : The High Court has set Sept 21 to deliver its decision on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's application to determine preliminary issues ahead of a sexual assault civil suit brought against him by his former aide, Muhammed Yusoff Rawther.
High Court judge Datuk Raja Ahmad Mohzanuddin Shah Raja Mohzan set the date on Wednesday following in-chambers submissions from both parties.
Anwar is requesting that several issues regarding Yusoff's movements and presence at Anwar's private residence on the day of the alleged assault — Oct 2, 2018 — to be decided either via affidavit or remote proceedings. Anwar argues that resolving these issues could potentially dispose of the entire case.
Yusoff has opposed the application, arguing that he has waited since 2021 to have his day in court and that any arguments Anwar wishes to raise in this application can simply be put forth during the trial.
Yusoff, who is currently seeking asylum in the UK, is represented the Law Practice of Rafique, while Anwar is represented by Messrs Christopher & Lee Ong.
Yusoff filed his civil suit in July 2021, claiming he was wrongfully accused of plotting to bring down Anwar and sabotage the PKR president's political career after lodging a police report regarding the assault. He asserts that the alleged sexual assault and subsequent accusations have affected his mental health.
Anwar has denied the claims and filed a countersuit. The trial was initially slated for June 2025.