KEDAH Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has publicly and unconditionally withdrawn remarks made against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the “Jelajah PN Best Tambun” event on 13 November 2022.
In a joint statement, the Jeneri assemblyman expressed his sincere regret and pledged not to repeat any of the remarks that formed the basis of the defamation suit.
The decision follows an agreement between both leaders to bring their personal dispute to a close after considering the potential legal costs and wider national implications of the lawsuit.
“Both parties agreed that there are far more significant national issues requiring attention in the interest of the country. To prevent further confusion from the proceedings, this settlement serves as an effort by both parties to ease tensions and maintain a cordial and respectful relationship,” the statement read.
Anwar, 78, welcomed the reconciliation and agreed to withdraw his defamation suit against the PAS Central Committee member without costs and with liberty to refile.
Both leaders expressed appreciation to High Court Judge Dr John Lee Kien How @ Mohamad Johan Lee for mediating the settlement and to court officials for their professionalism in managing the case.
They urged all parties to respect the resolution and not to exploit it in ways that could undermine Malaysia’s harmony and unity.
On 16 November 2022, Anwar had demanded an apology from Sanusi over allegedly defamatory remarks made during the Tambun event, giving him three days to respond or face a RM10 million defamation suit. Sanusi initially refused to apologise, stating he was ready to face legal action.
Anwar Reaffirms Ban on Alcohol and Gambling in School Premises
Separately, in the Dewan Rakyat today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reiterated that activities involving alcohol and gambling are strictly prohibited in school halls, saying they violate the nation’s educational philosophy.
“School premises, even after school hours, particularly school halls, must not be used for activities that contravene school regulations. Even if rented by external bodies, events involving alcohol or gambling do not educate our children,” he said in response to a supplementary question from Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas) regarding an alleged ‘beer festival’ held at SMK St Michael on 27 September.
Anwar clarified that the prohibition is not intended to infringe on the rights of non-Muslims. “Schools are places of learning, morals, and values.
“Our non-Muslim friends must understand this — even their children are not taught to drink or gamble from a young age. That is not our Malaysian culture. Outside of school, they have their rights, and we do not dispute that. But not in school halls,” he stressed.- October 23, 2025
