KUALA LUMPUR – Bersatu has urged Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to file a defamation suit to defend himself if he is aggrieved by certain allegations against him.
Bersatu legal and constitution bureau deputy chief Sasha Lyna Abdul Latif said the prime minister should not be using “draconian laws”, which he and Pakatan Harapan had in the past fought against.
In a statement today, she said Article 8 of the constitution provides for equality among all, and Anwar should use the courts if he believes his reputation has been tarnished.
Yesterday, Anwar’s political secretary, Ahmad Farhan Fauzi, lodged a police report against three individuals for issuing and spreading false and defamatory statements against the prime minister.
The three individuals are political activist Badrul Hisham Shaharin, better known as Che’gu Bard; Bersatu supreme council member Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan; and blogger Raggie Jessy Rithaudeen.
Farhan said the report was lodged in response to the remarks made by Che’gu Bard and the speech by Wan Saiful at a recent event in Kedah regarding the personal residence and vehicles used by Anwar, which allegedly belonged to a businessman.
“Since Anwar’s lawyer said they had proof that Badrul’s allegations were false, the evidence should be handed over to the MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission).
“Then there can be a thorough investigation, and the truth will be revealed,” said Sasha.
She urged Anwar to retract his police report, allow the MACC to do its job, and also urge the government to cease using draconian laws against critics. – The Vibes, July 14, 2023
