Prime Minister Anwar and Pendang MP settle defamation dispute amicably
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and MP Datuk Awang Solahuddin Hashim have reached an out-of-court settlement over a February 2023 defamation claim.
In Kuala Lumpur, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Pendang MP Datuk Awang Solahuddin Hashim resolved a defamation case stemming from statements made in February 2023. After considering litigation expenses and national priorities, they chose an amicable settlement: Awang Solahuddin fully retracted his comments and agreed not to repeat similar statements, and Anwar withdrew the suit without an order on costs or the ability to bring a fresh action.
The High Court, presided over by Justice Roslan Mat Nor, formally recorded the agreement and vacated the upcoming four-day trial. Lawyers for both sides, including Datuk Sankara Nair and Yusfarizal Yusoff, confirmed the terms in court. The parties expressed gratitude to the judiciary for its efficiency and urged the public to view the resolution as a step toward national harmony.
Why it matters
The settlement ends a high-profile political lawsuit, avoiding further court costs and potential political tension.
How this story developed
- Sep 18 Anwar says Najib's house-arrest pardon won’t soften anti-corruption stance
- Sep 18 The king authorized a change to Najib's imprisonment terms.
- Sep 18 Sultan Ibrahim granted a conditional pardon that places Najib under house arrest for the remainder of his term.
- Sep 19 Home Ministry said it has not yet received the formal written notification of the conditional pardon.
- Sep 20 The fine associated with the pardon was reduced to RM50 million from an original RM210 million.
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