Malaysia

Anwar, Pendang MP settle defamation suit ahead of trial

The suit, filed by Anwar in 2023, arose from remarks made by the Pendang MP that the prime minister alleged were defamatory

Updated 1 month ago · Published on 23 Sep 2026 12:01PM

Anwar, Pendang MP settle defamation suit ahead of trial
The Prime Minister withdraws the action without an order as to costs and without liberty to refile - September 23, 2026

PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s defamation suit against Pendang MP Datuk Awang Solahuddin Hashim has been settled at the Kuala Lumpur High Court with Anwar withdrawing the action ahead of the scheduled October trial.

Anwar’s lawyer, Datuk SN Nair, informed High Court judge Roslan Mat Nor that both parties had agreed to settle the case on terms recorded before the court.

“Both parties wish to record the agreed terms. Accordingly, the plaintiff withdraws this legal action without an order as to costs and without liberty to file again.

“Both parties have attached a copy of the jointly agreed public statement to this consent application. We thank the court and our learned friends. I ask the court to vacate the scheduled trial dates,” Rayer said.

Awang Solahuddin’s lawyer, Yusfarizal Yussoff, confirmed the settlement.

The suit, filed by Anwar in 2023, arose from remarks made by the Pendang MP that the prime minister alleged were defamatory.

The case had been scheduled for trial in October, with both sides previously indicating that they were pursuing a possible settlement. - September 23, 2026

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