Mohd Hafarizam Harun has dismissed suggestions that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is afraid of testifying in court.

The Umno lawyer, who is appearing for Najib in several civil suits, said they needed to resolve certain interlocutory matters.

"Like in the (PKR vice-president) Rafizi Ramli case. My client is prepared to testify to clear his name next year, when the time is right.

"It is just that we have to resolve and ensure that interlocutory matters are settled and that we have exhausted all legal avenues," Hafarizam told reporters after the case management for Najib's suit against Harakah in the Court of Appeal.

Hafarizam was asked by reporters on the perception that the prime minister feared taking the stand despite filing defamation suits against various individuals.

Najib has filed defamation suits against Rafizi, former MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik, DAP lawmaker Tony Pua as well as against the PAS newsletter Harakah and Malaysiakini.

However, Najib has settled his suit against another DAP lawmaker, Nga Kor Ming, after the latter expressed regret.

Citing suits involving Anwar Ibrahim, Hafarizam said it sometimes take up to five years for the former opposition leader to testify in court, with his lawyers filing one application after another.

Similarly, the lawyer said, his client and he must first ensure that interlocutory matters are resolved and all legal avenues utilised.