Anwar, Pendang MP settle defamation suit

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reached a settlement in a three-year-old defamation lawsuit filed against Pendang MP Awang Hashim. According to Anwar's lawyer, Sankara Nair, the two parties agreed to resolve the dispute amicably, with Anwar withdrawing the suit without the option to file again and no costs order imposed. Judicial Commissioner Roslan Mat Nor officially dismissed the case on the agreed terms, and the scheduled trial dates were cancelled.

The parties stated in a joint court statement that they opted to settle the matter, prioritising more significant issues for the good of the people and country. They also considered the potential costs and implications of the defamation proceedings. Awang Hashim publicly withdrew all statements made on February 21, 2023, which served as the basis for the legal action, and vowed not to repeat or republish them.

Both parties expressed hope that the settlement would be accepted and respected by all, and that the matter would not be politicised or used to undermine the country's harmony, unity, and stability.