The Kuala Lumpur High Court today set aside a subpoena that required Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to appear as a witness in a RM30 million civil suit filed against businessman Datuk Vinod Balachandra Sekhar and his wife Winny Yeap Liew Heoh [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

The civil lawsuit, filed in 2023 by 12 plaintiffs—including 10 investors and 2 former employees—alleges misrepresentation, fraud, and breach of contract relating to failed technology-driven ventures between 2002 and 2006 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

The subpoena for Anwar was issued on January 15, 2026, after plaintiffs pointed to photographs, social media posts, and public appearances suggesting an association between Anwar and Vinod [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Plaintiffs also cited a September 30, 2020 email where Vinod allegedly referenced an individual named 'Anwar' as resolving a matter, which plaintiffs claim referred to the Prime Minister [2, 4].

However, High Court Judicial Commissioner Datuk Muhammad Adam @ Edward Abdullah ruled that Anwar was neither a relevant nor material witness. He called the subpoena a "fishing expedition" that would be oppressive and distract from the core issues. “No useful purpose would be served by compelling his attendance. To do so would be oppressive and would divert the trial from the real legal issues,” the judge said [1, 2, 4, 5]. He added, "Relationship does not equate to materiality," and "A name appearing in an email does not by itself make the bearer of that name a material witness" [2, 5].

The court found that the plaintiffs' evidence was insufficient to prove that Anwar had personal knowledge of the alleged transactions. Plaintiffs’ own witness admitted under cross-examination there was no evidence linking Anwar's name to solicitations of investments or monies [3, 5]. Anwar also stated in an affidavit that he was not involved in or aware of the dealings between the plaintiffs and defendants [3].

The court emphasized that subpoenas are not automatic and judicial control is necessary to prevent oppressive compulsion of witnesses [1, 2, 4, 5]. It ordered the plaintiffs to pay RM20,000 in costs to Anwar [1, 2, 4].

Anwar was represented by lawyer Sanjay Mohan, while Colin Andrew Pereira appeared for the plaintiffs [1, 2, 4]. The lawsuit continues against Vinod and his wife following today's ruling.

The plaintiffs must comply with the court order to pay costs promptly. The trial against the defendants remains scheduled to proceed without the Prime Minister’s testimony.