You may vaguely remember this infamous remark made by our Youth and Sports Minister, Datuk Seri Khairy Jamaluddin regarding jailed opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim nine years ago.
The minister reportedly stated that Anwar Ibrahim “main belakang” (playing from behind), leading many to believe the remark was a defamatory jab at the opposition leader’s sodomy trials and implying that he was a homosexual.
This caused Anwar Ibrahim to file a suit against the youth and sports minister on 7th March 2008, accusing him of making defamatory comments against him in a speech at Lembah Pantai on 20th February earlier that year.
Source: Coconuts
He was since called to the High Court after being accused of defamation because of this remark, although Khairy Jamaluddin defended himself, claiming that the remark had no sexual connotation.
According to The Sun, he told the court earlier this month, “No, I deny that they are capable of bearing any defamatory meaning, natural or innuendo meaning whatsoever,” saying the remark was referring to the relationship between PAS, DAP and PKR.
“Political parties cannot have sex, it is a metaphor. It could also mean playing people out or backstabbing.”
Now, the High Court came to a decision on the case today and ordered Khairy Jamaluddin to pay a fine of RM150,000 in damages to Anwar Ibrahim. He also has to pay an additional RM60,000 to the opposition leader as costs, according to Free Malaysia Today.
Source: FMT
Judge Azizul Azmi Adnan stated in court that the remark did have a sexual connotation and was meant as a jab at Anwar, saying, “The allegations are serious and are capable of bearing a defamatory meaning.”
Well, thankfully the authorities have finally settled this matter appropriately!
Also read: Dr Mahathir Signed ‘Free Anwar’ Petition to Redeem His Sins
