PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim has filed a defamation suit against Umno-linked blogger Papagomo after the latter failed to apologise and retract a series of lewd photographs.

The blogger, whose real name is Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris, had claimed that the photos were screenshots from a video depicting Anwar being intimate with another male.

NONE Lawyer and PKR vice-president N Surendran ( left in picture ) when filing the suit today said the 48-hour period for Papagomo to retract and apologise for the publication lapsed and the blogger instead made threats to put up the purported video.

Surendran said Anwar would not lodge a police report or a complaint with the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission over this as numerous attempts had been made in the past, with no action taken.

“It seems these agencies would not react to such complaints as they are tools of Umno and the BN. Filing an action in court would be better,” he added.

NONE Anwar named Wan Muhammad Azri ( right ) as the sole defendant and besides the quantum, the Permatang Pauh MP is seeking general, aggravated and exemplary damages.

He is also seeking an injunction to bar Papagomo from repeating or publishing similar statements.

Papagomo was cited for publishing the defamatory articles and images on March 16, March 17, and when issued a letter of demand by Anwar on Tuesday, put up more libellous materials again, until yesterday.

More damning images

The postings included one allegedly stating that if Anwar did not withdraw the legal action, the blogger would release more damning images and video.

The defamatory words were deemed to mean that Anwar was immoral, does not have dignity and is not qualified to hold public office.

It also meant that he is not qualified to be a leader of the country, a prime minister and an irresponsible person who cannot be trusted.

NONE Anwar claimed that since Malaysia is a majority Malay Muslim country, the defamatory and slanderous images bring a negative impact on him.

The words put up are false, without basis and with malice directed to attack his character, respect, reputation, personal and political welfare, he claimed.

In setting his grounds, Anwar claimed the basis for his claim followed Papagomo’s failure to abide with the letter of demand issued by law firm Edwin, Lim, Suren and Soh, and said the blogger had sensationalised the article to cause maximum damage and major embarrassment to Anwar.

The politician claimed the publication was very serious and resulted in suffering for him and his family.

The allegations, Anwar claimed, were purposely created to injure his reputation and his standing as an opposition leader and PKR de facto leader.

Anwar further claimed that Papagomo has close links to Umno, which is an enemy of the plaintiff, and its publication was within the known fact that the 13th general election is approaching.

Surendran said it seemed Papagomo remained oblivious despite the warning issued through the letter of demand.

“This shows he is backed by Umno and that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is condoning this. We will bankrupt Papagomo,” he said.