Trial Of Alleged Sexual Harassment Case Anwar Ibrahim Continues

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim/PHOTO via Instagram @anwaribrahim_my

JAKARTA - Malaysian High Court Judge Roz Mawar Rozain stated that the trial related to Anwar Ibrahim's alleged sexual harassment case against his former assistant, Muhammed Yusoff Rawther, will continue on schedule for June 16, 2025.

This was conveyed by Judge Roz following the decision of the Malaysian High Court to reject Anwar Ibrahim's request, who is the Prime Minister of Malaysia, to refer eight constitutional questions related to the case to the Malaysian Federal Court.

"The trial will continue according to schedule on June 16, 2025," said Judge Roz Mawar Rozain as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, June 4.

The case stems from a report by former assistant Anwar Ibrahim who served as Prime Minister, namely Muhammed Yusoff Rawther, who admitted to being sexually harassed by Anwar Ibrahim in 2018 or about seven years ago.

Regarding the case, Anwar Ibrahim submitted a request to the High Court to refer eight constitutional questions to the Federal Court, which were submitted before he was appointed Prime Minister of Malaysia.

The essence of submitting the eight constitutional questions is to inquire about the possibility of suspending the trial process of the case, pending a decision.

Anwar seeks to test whether the Federal Constitution provides the Prime Minister with procedural immunity from civil responsibility while in office. Eight questions were raised that touched Articles 5, 8, 39, 40, and 43 of Malaysia's Federal Constitution, proposing a theory of "constructive losses" and "institutional proportionality".

Judge Roz conveyed, based on article 84 of the Law on Justice (Courts of Judicure Act / CJA) in 1964, constitutional references require, among others: real and substantial constitutional questions; materials for case resolution; direct and non-trivial or hypothetical constitutional interpretations are needed.

Meanwhile, based on the findings of the High Court, after considering written statements, eight questions raised, and the submission of all parties (both written and verbal), the court did not believe that these conditions were met.

According to Judge Roz's statement, the question Anwar requested to be submitted to the Federal Court was speculative, not necessary for case settlement, and did not concern any interpretation or validity of constitutional provisions.

The High Court assessed that Anwar currently still has the full legal capacity and procedural protection available.

Furthermore, according to Judge Roz, Anwar has also emphasized his readiness to continue the trial, and there is no evidence that the lawsuit interferes with his ability to carry out constitutional duties as Prime Minister.

"The court did not find any special circumstances that guaranteed the suspension of the trial," said Judge Roz.

Therefore, the Malaysian High Court stated that the trial of the case would continue on June 16, 2025.