Court suggests Tajuddin to settle defamation suit against Khalid

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KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court here yesterday suggested that the defamation suit filed by former Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman against Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad and two others for allegedly using curse words against him during a media conference at Parliament lobby to be settled amicably.

Lawyer K. Murali, representing Khalid, told reporters that the suggestion was made by Judicial Commisioner Datuk Aliza Sulaiman in chambers during management of the case which was also attended by lawyer K. Shanmuga , representing KiniTV Sdn Bhd.

He said Aliza also set Nov 1 and Dec 3 and 6 to hear the case if no settlement could be reached.

Tajuddin filed suit on April 26, 2017, claiming that Khalid had uttered defamatory statements, as well as using curse words, against him at two media conferences held by Khalid at the Parliament Lobby on Nov 21 and 21, 2016.

Also named as defendants in the suit are video portal KiniTV and the New Straits Times Press (NSTP).

The Pasir Salak Member of Parliament claimed that the first statement by Khalid, who is Shah Alam Member of Parliament, was published in NSTP’s newspaper, the New Straits Times, with the title ‘Fury over Deputy Minister’s Remark’ on Nov 22, 2016, and the second statement by KiniTV on Nov 24, 2016.

He claimed both the statements were also available on YouTube, which could be accessed by the public.

Tajuddin said the statements, among others, were intended to mean that he was not fit to be a parliamentary member, had acted against the teachings and culture of Islam, and also caused his family members to physically attack Khalid.

He is seeking an apology from all the defendants and for them to retract the alleged defamatory statement, as well as general, aggravated and exemplary damages, costs and other relief deemed fit by the court. — Bernama