Former opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim testified today that a prime time news report by in Sistem Televisyen (M) Bhd (TV3) that linked him with the militant incursion into Lahad Datu, Sabah was serious slander and defamation.

Anwar, 69, said the report carried by TV3 on March 2, 2013, injured his and Pakatan Rakyat's reputation as many people were confused and "poisoned" by the propaganda as it was close to the general election held that year.

“The report (made it look) as if I am a traitor to the country and am willing to allow the incursion into a territory in my own country. The report has tarnished my image and credibility as an opposition leader.

“They (TV3) did not give me an opportunity to reply but continued to attack me. TV3's action has violated media ethics, civility, culture and Islam,” Anwar said.

Anwar, who is also de facto PKR leader, was testifying in his RM100 million suit against TV3 on a report aired by its Buletin Utama programme, claiming that he was one of the "dalang" (persons behind) the Lahad Datu incursion, and it also quoted an Utusan Malaysia report.

The former opposition leader also filed a suit against Utusan Malaysia. However, the daily, which is linked to Umno, expressed regret and retracted its report last October.

Never investigated

Anwar further testified that he had not been investigated by the authorities since Utusan and TV3 reported the allegation till this day.

“However, I do not know (what will happen) after this,” he quipped, in response to a question from his lawyer Ambiga Sreenevasan.

The PKR de facto leader said since TV3 is was owned by Umno, and that he knew this because he was formerly Umno deputy president, the broadcaster would continue to attack him and the opposition.

Anwar said the three reports cited by Utusan Malaysia which were used in the TV3 Buletin Utama report, did not cite him as a “dalang” (puppet master) to the Lahad Datu incursion.

The reports were by Manila Times, Philippine Inquirer and Reuters.

“What the Philippine Inquirer reported is that an opposition figure in Sabah wants to be aligned with me,” Anwar said.

'I do not watch TV3'

The former opposition leader said that he agreed on the issue of Sabah be granted more autonomy as it was proposed by Pakatan Rakyat in its election manifesto, but this must be within the framework of the Federal Constitution.

“This was signed by PAS, DAP and PKR leaders along with political leaders in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said,

When cross-examined by TV3 lawyer, TH Liew, Anwar said he did not watch the news report that day but was alerted about it one or two days later.

“I do not watch TV3,” he said.

When told that TV3's report was based on Utusan's report citing the Philippine Inquirer, Anwar said Utusan and TV3 reports were a blatant lie as because the foreign news reports did not describe him as such.

He added that he did not take any action on the Philippine media as the reports were not erroneous or defamatory.

He added that even the Philippine media made an attempt to contact him but as he was involved in an election campaign, he promised to that media organisation to respond later.

"However, when they carried my statement I see no further reason to respond."

The trial continues tomorrow.

Editor: Source materials did not link Anwar to Lahad Datu