Perak PAS chief apologises to Anwar over ‘LGBT’ remarks

“I sincerely pray that Allah will bless Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim with strength and a long life to continue leading the country as the prime minister”

(FMT) – Perak PAS chief Razman Zakaria has apologised in court to Anwar Ibrahim for claiming in an election campaign speech last year that the latter had condoned LGBT practices.

His apology was made at the High Court here as part of a consent judgment to settle a defamation suit brought against him by Anwar.

Anwar’s lawyer, SN Nair, said his client had agreed to the settlement as a goodwill gesture and to let the matter rest “in the interest of all parties”.

“When a man repents and seeks forgiveness in good faith, it takes a gracious leader to rise to the occasion and accept the apology and withdraw the suit,” said Nair, who said the settlement had vindicated Anwar.

The suit was filed on Dec 5 over Razman’s claim that Anwar would promote an LGBT agenda, allow same-sex marriage and support the communist agenda if he became prime minister.

Anwar, who is chairman of Pakatan Harapan and president of PKR, was standing for election as MP for Tambun at the general election in November last year.

He won by a majority of 3,736 votes against Ahmad Faizal Azumu of Bersatu and two others and became prime minister on Nov 24.

Razman is the Perak state assemblyman for Gunung Semanggol and current leader of the state opposition.

The suit was filed on Dec 5 at the High Court here. Anwar had demanded RM5 million in damages and an injunction to prevent Razman from making further defamatory statements against him.

The statement of claim said Razman’s allegations had implied that Anwar had abused his powers as an MP, was deceitful, a traitor, a hypocrite and not a good Muslim.

Reading out the unconditional apology before judicial commissioner Noor Ruwena Nurdin, Razman said his slanderous statement made during the 15th general election campaign had caused immeasurable damage to Anwar’s reputation.

“I hereby withdraw all allegations I made against Anwar Ibrahim and wish to tender my unreserved apology. I also promise not to repeat the allegations in any form in future.”

He appealed to Anwar to withdraw his suit against him and said he would also withdraw his statement of defence.

“I sincerely pray that Allah will bless Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim with strength and a long life to continue leading the country as the prime minister,” he added.