THE Kuala Lumpur High Court today rejected the application of Anwar Ibrahim’s former research assistant to cancel several paragraphs in the PKR president’s statement of defence and counterclaim.

Muhammed Yusoff Rawther filed a suit against Anwar on July 14, 2021, for allegedly sexually assaulting him four years ago. 

Anwar then filed a countersuit. 

Mahajoth Singh, representing Yusoff, said judicial commissioner John Lee Kien How @ Mohd Johan Lee ordered him to pay RM3,500 in costs. 

“The defendant (Anwar) has filed two applications – discovery application of certain documents, and interlocutory. Both applications will be heard on September 23 before the same judge online (via Zoom),” he said when contacted after case management before Lee.

In his statement of claim, Yusoff alleged that the sexual assault took place on October 2, 2018, at Anwar’s residence in Segambut. 

The plaintiff alleged that as a result of the incident, he was accused of plotting to bring down Anwar and damaging his political career, and that this affected his mental health.

He is seeking special, general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as interest, costs and other relief deemed fit by the court. – Bernama, September 9, 2022.