PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (picture) insisted that the application made to refer 8 constitutional questions to the Federal Court under Article 128(2) of the Federal Constitution in the Muhammed Yusoff Rawther’s case has never been about seeking personal immunity or escaping legal scrutiny for himself.
He said the matter about protecting the public office from litigation that may be strategically timed, politically motivated, or institutionally disruptive.
“I remain fully committed to the rule of law, the independence of our courts, and the dignity of democratic governance,” he said in a statement on his social media today.
Anwar also added that the legal process will continue, and he will continue to discharge his responsibilities without distraction or compromise.
Earlier today, Judge Roy Mawar Rozain, in dismissing Anwar’s application, found that none of the articles raised in his application holds any real, substantial or justifiable question of constitutional law that requires determination by the Federal Court.
His counsel, Datuk Seri K Rajasegaran, said the notice of appeal will be filed today, together with a notice of urgency.
On May 23, Anwar filed the application via his new counsels Messrs Zain, Megat and Murad, where he sought the High Court’s leave (permission) to have his application heard in Federal Court.
The Tambun MP applied for the Federal Court to determine whether the suit filed against him would constitute as an abuse of process or a threat to public interest and if so, the suit must be tossed out to “preserve constitutional governance.”
He also wanted to seek the Apex Court’s declaration to determine whether he as the sitting PM is entitled to constitutional protection under Article 5(1) of the Federal Constitution.
Muhammed Yusoff Rawther, who was Anwar’s former research officer, had filed the suit in July 2021, claiming he was assaulted at Anwar’s home in Segambut on Oct 2, 2018.
He is seeking general, special, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as interest, costs and other relief deemed fit by the court. — TMR
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