The High Court in Kuala Lumpur today set Feb 28 for case management of the RM50-million suit filed by opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim against Utusan Melayu (Malaysia) Bhd over a claim that he was defamed by two articles with regard to his comments on homosexuality laws in his interview with the BBC.     

Judge Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera fixed the date after meeting with both parties.

On Jan 20, Anwar filed the suit against Utusan Malaysia and its editor-in-chief, Abdul Aziz Ishak.

In his statement of claim, Anwar said the newspaper had published two articles, on its front page and on page 10, on Jan 17 portraying him to be a Muslim leader whose views are contrary to Islamic teachings.

He claimed that the words published based on his interview with the BBC are unfounded and malicious.

Anwar, who is Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser, is seeking RM50 million in damages, aggravated damages, exemplary damages and other relief deemed appropriate by the court.  

He is also seeking an injunction to stop the defendants from continuing to state or publish words defamatory of him.  

- Bernama