A REPORT that linked Anwar Ibrahim with the Lahad Datu intrusion aired on TV3’s Buletin Utama in 2013 had portrayed the opposition leader as a traitor, the Kuala Lumpur High Court heard today.

Testifying in his defamation suit against TV3,  Anwar said the report, which was originally published in Malay daily Utusan Malaysia, had also caused confusion among the people as it was aired near the 13th general election.

“The report implied that I was a traitor to the country and ready to allow the intrusion.

“It has tarnished my image and credibility as an opposition leader,” he said.

Anwar said TV3 had also failed to uphold journalism ethics as he was not given the chance to answer any of the allegations.

“They didn’t give me any opportunity to respond but kept on attacking me. 

Anwar filed suit on March 8, 2013 over Utusan Malaysia’s front page article titled, “Ketua Pembangkang dikaitkan dengan pencerobohan?” (Opposition leader linked to intrusion?) and a page nine article with the title “Tiga kumpulan menjadi dalang” (Three groups responsible) on March 2, 2013.

Anwar named Utusan Melayu (M) Bhd and its group editor-in-chief, Abdul Aziz Ishak as defendants but the matter was resolved with the two defendants submitting a statement of regret and both pledged that they, or their agents, representatives and workers, would not publish, repeat, or cause the said words to be published again.

Anwar also named as defendants TV3, which aired the report on Buletin Utama between 8pm and 9pm the same day the articles were published; Buletin Utama news editor Ing Boon Seng; and Media Prima Bhd group managing editor Shaharudin Latif.

In 2013, Filipino militants invaded Lahad Datu, Sabah, to claim the area on behalf of the self-proclaimed Sulu sultan.

The hearing continues tomorrow. – July 11, 2017.