Jailed Malaysian politicians lose defamation bid

The highest court in Malaysia has ruled that the imprisoned former deputy prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim, cannot sue the prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad, for defamation.

An appeal to the federal high court was the final stage in a multi-million dollar claim against Mr Mahathir for what Mr Anwar said were malicious lies spread by the prime minister after he sacked his deputy in 1998.

Mr Anwar, who was widely regarded as Mr Mahathir's political heir, was unexpectedly dismissed and subsequently charged with corruption and sexual misbehaviour.

Mr Anwar, who was sentenced to fifteen years in jail, has consistently pleaded his innocence.

He was suing Mr Mahathir for more than twenty-six million dollars.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service