Anwar's RM100 million suit against Nallakaruppan, Utusan solved

The RM100 million defamation suit filed by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim against Senator Tan Sri S. Nallakaruppan and Utusan Melayu (Malaysia) Bhd (Utusan) was solved through mediation process at the High Court here today.

Judicial Commissioner Datuk Roslan Abu Bakar recorded the consent judgment in chambers in the presence of Anwar, Nallakaruppan and Utusan group editor-in-chief Datuk Abdul Aziz Ishak.

Also present were the three lawyers, namely Latheefa Koya representing Anwar, Sarah Abishegam representing Nallakaruppan and Wan Azmir Wan Majid representing Utusan and Abdul Aziz.

Speaking to reporters later, Latheefa said the told reporters that a mediation agreement was reached between Anwar and the three defendants after Nallakaruppan clarified the statement he made against Anwar relating to his alleged moral misconduct.

"The plaintiff (Anwar) is satisfied with the explanation and agreed to withdraw the suit," the lawyer said, adding that the completion of mediation statement will be published in Utusan Malaysia within seven days from today.

In the defamation suit filed on March 26, 2012, Anwar claimed that Nallakaruppan had issued a defamatory statement against him, which was published on the front page of a Utusan Malaysia with a title "Anwar biseksual, tak boleh jadi Ketua Pembangkang - Nalla" (Anwar bisexual, he cannot become Opposition Leader - Nalla" on March 20, 2012.

Anwar claimed that the words used by Nallakaruppan were false, baseless and published with malicious intent to defame and tarnish his reputation as opposition leader and as a politician.

Anwar had sought RM100 million in general, aggravated and exemplary damages, costs and other relief deemed fit by the court.

-- BERNAMA