Defamation suit: Can Anwar defend himself in an 'Umno-sponsored' court?!

Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein - who is suing Anwar for defamation on statements Anwar made about the sex tape allegedly depicting him, which the opposition leader has denied - today sought to strike out certain paragraphs of Anwar Ibrahim's defence in the sex video tape suit the minister had filed.

Hishammuddin's application was relayed to the High Court in Kuala Lumpur by the minister's lawyer, Sunil Abraham while Lawyer J Leela appeared for Anwar, who has already filed his counter-claim and Justice VT Singham fixed Aug 26 for the case management to continue.

Hishammuddin, 50, in his suit claimed Anwar's words meant he was responsible for screening the video to a group of editors and journalists at Carcosa Seri Negara hotel on March 21. The words also meant that he arranged for the screening of the video and plotted with the prime minister and the police top brass to have it done.