Anwar, Ahli Parlimen Pendang selesai saman fitnah secara baik

Perdana Menteri Anwar Ibrahim has concluded a defamation case against Awang Hashim, a member of the Malaysian Parliament, after three years. In 2023, Anwar filed a lawsuit against Awang following allegations of inciting fitnah (social unrest) made by Awang in the Parliament's lobby. Anwar's lawyer, Sankara Nair, informed the High Court that both parties agreed to settle the dispute amicably.

Anwar voluntarily withdrew the lawsuit without the option to refile it, and there was no ruling on the damages. Awang's lawyer, Yusfarizal Yusoff, confirmed the same, and Appeal Attorney-General Roslan Mat Nor dismissed the lawsuit in accordance with the agreed terms. Both parties stated in a joint statement that they had decided to settle the matter after agreeing that there were more pressing issues to address for the benefit of the public and the nation.

They also considered the implications of the defamation case, including the litigation costs that would have to be borne. Awang Hashim fully apologized and withdrew all statements made by him on or around February 21, 2023, which formed the basis of this legal action, and agreed not to repeat or republish any such statements or statements of similar or substantially similar meaning in the future, according to the statement.

Both parties expressed the hope that the settlement would be accepted and respected by all parties, and that the matter would not be politicized or used to undermine national harmony, unity, and stability. Anwar filed the lawsuit in February 2023 following an allegation made by Awang during a media briefing outside the House of Representatives on February 21 of that year, concerning the appointment of Anwar as the Prime Minister and the accusation of being the preferred candidate.