FORMER health minister Khairy Jamaluddin has filed a defamation suit against Sungai Besar Umno chief Jamal Yunos regarding a statement the latter made during a press conference at the 2022 Umno General Assembly in January.

The press conference was about claims Umno had imported alien delegates to vote on the motion that the president and deputy president positions remain uncontested. 

Khairy, who filed the writ of summons on May 24 through law firm Tetuan Aizat Izuan Shakeel, is seeking special damages of RM1 million, general damages, and an order for Jamal to publish an apology on his Facebook and TikTok accounts as well as in major Malay, English and Chinese newspapers.

In his statement of claim, Khairy said at the general assembly on January 14, Jamal held a press conference at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. 

Khairy said on the same day, Jamal through his Facebook account (DS Jamal Yunos Official) uploaded a video recording entitled: “I hope the Umno disciplinary board takes action against Khairy Jamaluddin after his frivolous statements and embarrassing Umno # UmnoBeforeNowAndForever.”

Khairy said Jamal uploaded the same video on his TikTok account under the username “jamal_yunos”.

Khairy said the defamatory statement, among others, gave the impression Khairy is a leader with no integrity, has no credibility to lead, and was involved in or has committed corrupt practices.

Khairy said Jamal’s statement implied the former had resorted to bribery to create division among party members for personal gain, was an unfit leader, and was disloyal to the party and its leaders.

The High Court fixed tomorrow for case management before senior assistant registrar Nik Nur Amalina Mat Zaidan. – Bernama, May 29, 2023.