KUCHING: Former journalist Joseph Tawie has apologised to Batang Sadong MP Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri in the Kuching High Court today for defaming her on Facebook on May 10 and 13, last year.
Both parties have arrived at an amicable settlement where Joseph (Defendant) agreed to apologise to Nancy (Plaintiff) verbally in the open court during yesterday’s hearing and pay costs of RM25,000 with initial sum of RM10,000 to be paid within 30 days.
Joseph also agreed to publish statement of apology on Facebook to Nancy, as well as one copy in The Borneo Post and one copy in the New Sarawak Tribune, within three days from the hearing, and also to remove those Facebook posts.
Justice Datuk Supang Lian entered the consent judgment in terms as agreed by parties.
Upon leaving the courtroom, both parties made their peace by shaking hands amidst camera flashes, in front of reporters present.
Joseph had alleged in a Facebook post that Nancy abused her power in directing the Tuai Rumah of Sungai Bulu in Sadong Jaya, not to welcome a federal minister to the Gawai Dayak celebrations last year, and not to cooperate with the newly elected Pakatan Harapan federal government.
Among those present to support Nancy was Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip.