Anwar Ibrahim was today allowed to amend certain parts of his defence in a defamation suit filed by inspector-general of police Musa Hasan linked to the probe into the 1998 'black eye' incident.

The High Court senior assistant registrar A Kaveeta made the order in chambers.

Anwar's counsel SN Nair told reporters that Anwar would also file an application soon to strike out the suit.

Anwar lodged a report at the Selangor police contingent headquarters on July 1, 2008, claiming that Musa and attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail had fabricated evidence and hidden some facts in the investigation into the physical assault on him by the then IGP Abdul Rahim Noor, in 1998.

Musa, in his statement of claim filed on July 21, 2008, said the allegation was baseless and not true and had tarnished his personal reputation, image, sincerity and good name and also in his professional capacity.

He denied taking part in a conspiracy to fabricate evidence and hide some facts pertaining to the assault.

He also said he had never abused his power in any way in the investigation into Anwar's corruption and sodomy cases.

He said Anwar acted mala fide in lodging the police report against him and Abdul Gani and had done so because he was facing a fresh sodomy allegation.

Musa is seeking general, exemplary and aggravated damages, eight per cent interest, costs and other reliefs deemed fit by the court.

The amount sought was not specified in his statement of claim.

He is also applying for an injunction to stop the PKR advisor or his agents from repeating the alleged defamatory remarks.

Anwar in his statement of defence filed on Oct 24, 2008, said the police report was made on an occasion of absolute privilege and justification.

- Bernama