Anwar Subpoenaed as Witness in RM30 Million Civil Suit Against Businessperson

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been named as a witness in a high-value civil lawsuit involving alleged financial disputes.

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been subpoenaed to testify as a witness in a RM30 million civil lawsuit filed against a prominent businessperson, a move that has drawn public attention due to the high-profile nature of the case.

Sources familiar with the matter confirmed that the subpoena was issued as part of ongoing civil proceedings, with Anwar’s testimony sought to clarify matters related to alleged financial dealings and representations linked to the disputed sum. The suit is understood to centre on claims of losses amounting to RM30 million, allegedly arising from a business arrangement that later became contentious.

Anwar has not been named as a defendant in the case. Instead, he is expected to appear strictly in the capacity of a witness, with his testimony considered relevant to establishing the background and sequence of events surrounding the disputed transaction.

Legal observers noted that the subpoena of a sitting prime minister, while uncommon, is not unprecedented within the framework of civil law. They stressed that being called as a witness does not imply wrongdoing, but reflects the court’s role in ensuring all relevant information is placed on record.

“The court has wide discretion to summon any individual whose evidence may assist in resolving the dispute before it,” a legal analyst said, adding that the process underscores the principle that no individual is exempt from legal procedures.

The RM30 million lawsuit has reportedly been closely watched due to the businessperson’s influence in corporate circles and the scale of the claim involved. While specific details of the alleged dispute have yet to be fully ventilated in open court, filings indicate that the plaintiff is seeking substantial damages for what is described as a breach of obligations and financial commitments.

In response to public queries, Anwar’s office has maintained that the prime minister respects the judicial process and will cooperate in accordance with the law. Officials emphasised that his role as a witness would not interfere with his official duties and that appropriate arrangements would be made should his attendance in court be required.

Political analysts said the development is likely to be scrutinised amid heightened public sensitivity over governance, accountability and transparency. However, they cautioned against drawing premature conclusions, noting that civil proceedings often involve multiple parties and witnesses whose involvement may be tangential rather than central.

“This is fundamentally a private civil dispute,” one analyst said. “The inclusion of a senior political figure as a witness does not automatically elevate it into a political scandal.”

The case is expected to proceed through several stages, including witness examination and submission of documentary evidence, before the court reaches any findings.

As proceedings continue, attention will likely remain focused on how the court handles the testimony and whether it sheds new light on the financial dispute at the heart of the RM30 million claim.

For now, all parties involved remain bound by the legal process, with the outcome of the suit to be determined by the court based on the evidence presented.