New Judge Assigned to Yusoff Rawther’s Civil Suit Against Anwar Ibrahim
PUTRAJAYA: The ongoing civil lawsuit filed by former research assistant Yusoff Rawther against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will now be heard by Justice Raja Ahmad Mohzanuddin Shah Raja Mohzan. This development comes as the case continues to navigate the Malaysian judicial system, with new dates set for case management.
Yusoff Rawther’s legal team confirmed the assignment of the case to Justice Raja Ahmad. According to Nur Mustanir Nor, a lawyer representing Yusoff, the shift in judicial personnel occurred after the previous presiding judge, Justice Roz Mawar Rozain, was transferred to Seremban last month. This marks another change in the judicial bench overseeing the high-profile case, which had previously been managed by Justice Johan Lee before his transfer to the Alor Setar High Court.
The legal team has indicated that case management proceedings are scheduled to take place before the new judge on April 8. This session will be crucial for fixing the definitive trial dates for the lawsuit, allowing both parties to prepare for the substantive legal arguments.
Anwar Ibrahim Withdraws Appeal, Yusoff Rawther Awarded Costs
In a related development, a three-member Court of Appeal bench, presided over by Justice Wong Kian Kheong, has granted Yusoff Rawther costs amounting to RM50,000. This decision followed the withdrawal of an appeal lodged by Anwar Ibrahim. The appeal was against a High Court ruling that had dismissed Anwar’s attempt to refer eight specific questions of law to the Federal Court concerning the civil suit.
Anwar Ibrahim’s solicitors, Christopher & Lee Ong, had formally communicated to the court their intention not to file any submissions in support of the appeal, which was originally slated for hearing on the same day. This decision effectively signalled the end of Anwar’s bid to elevate the legal questions to the apex court for determination.
Justices Wong Kian Kheong, Azmi Ariffin, and Latifah Tahar, comprising the Court of Appeal bench, subsequently struck out the appeal. The awarding of costs to Yusoff Rawther was a direct consequence of this successful withdrawal by Anwar’s legal team.
During the proceedings, lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali, representing Yusoff Rawther, had initially sought RM150,000 in costs. He argued that substantial preparatory work had been undertaken by his client’s legal team, including preparations for Anwar’s application to stay the ongoing trial pending the outcome of this appeal.
Conversely, lawyer Sanjay Mohan, appearing for Anwar Ibrahim, had proposed a significantly lower figure of RM15,000 in costs. The Court of Appeal’s decision to award RM50,000 represents a middle ground, acknowledging the legal efforts involved while reflecting the circumstances of the appeal’s withdrawal.
The case centres on allegations brought forth by Yusoff Rawther, a former research assistant, who has accused Anwar Ibrahim of alleged sexual misconduct. The civil suit is distinct from any criminal proceedings and focuses on establishing liability through civil legal processes. The ongoing legal proceedings continue to attract significant public and media attention, given the prominence of the individuals involved. The upcoming case management session will be pivotal in charting the future course of this complex legal battle.
