Why Seek Legal Immunity If No Wrongdoings Dr M Asks Anwar

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Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has suggested that his successor, Anwar Ibrahim’s attempt to seek legal immunity in a civil suit over alleged sexual assault paints an impression that he may be guilty.
In a press conference today, Mahathir said that monarchs are not exempt from legal action if they commit an offence.
“If someone commits a wrongdoing, they can be brought to court. But this is someone who lost in the election - he didn’t win, he lost.
“Now he’s asking for immunity for himself. That implies that he admits to wrongdoing. It’s only through immunity that he could escape from being found guilty,” he said at a press conference in Putrajaya.
In a characteristically pointed remark, the twice-serving former prime minister said Anwar still had unresolved cases in court.
“This is Anwar’s idea of justice. If you’re wrong, avoid a trial. If you can win, then go to trial.
“If you don’t want the trial to proceed, it means you’re admitting that you’ve been dishonest,” he added.
Anwar filed the application last week, requesting that eight constitutional questions be referred to the Federal Court, premised on whether he gets immunity from civil proceedings initiated by his former aide, Yusoff Rawther.
Yusoff filed a civil action in 2021 over allegations that Anwar had sexually assaulted him at the PKR president’s office in October 2018.
Bid dismissed
The Kuala Lumpur High Court today dismissed Anwar’s application to pause Yusoff's civil suit, ruling that the constitutional questions posed did not meet the legal threshold.
Judge Roz Mawar Rozain found Anwar’s claims of immunity and harm to executive function lacked a constitutional basis, stressing all persons are equal before the law.
ADSThe trial is set to proceed on June 16, while Anwar’s legal team will file an appeal and seek a stay, pending a Court of Appeal decision.
After the decision, Anwar insisted that his bid to suspend a lawsuit against him was never about seeking personal immunity from litigation.
“This matter has never been about seeking personal immunity or escaping legal scrutiny.
“It concerns the integrity of our constitutional system and the need to ensure that high public office is protected from litigation that may be strategically timed, politically motivated, or institutionally disruptive,” Anwar said on Facebook.
Touching on the verdict, Anwar said he remained committed to the rule of law, independence of the judiciary and democratic governance.
“The legal process will continue, and I will continue to discharge my responsibilities without distraction or compromise,” the Tambun MP added. - Mkini

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