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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has appointed a new legal representative in the ongoing civil suit brought against him by Muhammed Yusoff Rawther, his former research assistant, over alleged sexual misconduct.
Yusoff’s lawyer, Rafique Rashid, confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that notice of the change in legal counsel was received on 23 May. The new legal team has since filed an application to refer a constitutional question to the Federal Court, accompanied by a supporting affidavit.
In addition to the reference application, Anwar is also seeking a postponement of the trial, which is currently scheduled for 16 to 19 and 23 to 25 June, pending the outcome of the Federal Court application.
“Given that the issue raised concerns legal questions, the court has directed all parties to submit their arguments without delay,” said Rafique. “The application will be heard on 3 June.”
The court has also instructed that all submissions address the legal provisions related to the immunity or privilege enjoyed by a Prime Minister.
Rafique stressed that his legal team remains committed to defending his client’s rights transparently.
“Access to justice is a fundamental human right enshrined in the Federal Constitution,” he said.
Previously, Anwar had sought to refer eight legal questions to the Federal Court, among them whether Articles 39, 40 and 43 of the Federal Constitution provide him conditional immunity in relation to the civil suit.
He also asked whether the suit affects his capacity to perform executive functions, undermines the constitutional doctrine of separation of powers, or infringes his right to equal treatment under Article 8(1) of the Constitution.
In his statement of claim, Yusoff alleges that the sexual assault occurred on 2 October 2018 at Anwar’s residence in Segambut, following a request from Anwar’s private secretary to deliver a speech text.
He said he lodged a police report on 7 December 2019 and claimed his mental health was affected due to criticism from Anwar’s supporters and the wider public.
Yusoff is seeking special, general, aggravated and exemplary damages, along with costs and other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Anwar has categorically denied the allegations and filed a counterclaim in September 2021, asserting that the accusations are false and baseless.
He maintains that he was with family and friends at his Bukit Segambut residence on the date of the alleged incident - May 28, 2025