ZAKIR Naik has settled a defamation suit he pursued against Ipoh Barat lawmaker M. Kula Segaran today. 

Akberdin Abdul Kader, lawyer of the controversial Indian Muslim preacher, said a consent judgment was recorded before judicial commissioner Arief Emran Arifin in the latter’s chambers. 

“The settlement terms are to remain confidential between the parties,” he was quoted as saying by portal Free Malaysia Today. 

Kula’s lawyer K. Shanmuga confirmed the outcome. 

Kula, who is DAP national vice-chairman, was taken to court by Zakir over his comments carried in an article by Free Malaysia Today published on April 17, 2017, in which he urged the government not to take sides by protecting Zakir from the Indian authorities as it leaves the impression that a fugitive from India is better protected than Malaysian Indians.

Zakir had also cited a press release by Kula on August 13, 2019 titled “Zakir Naik’s presence is embarrassing to all Malaysians”. 

The Indian national, who is a permanent resident, sought compensation and damage claims from Kula, as well as a court injunction prohibiting him from publishing and distributing four defamatory news articles on any medium.

Zakir had also demanded an apology issued and published in newspapers and online news portals.

Kula, in his defence, pleaded justification, fair comment and qualified privilege.

Zakir has defamation suits pending against three other DAP leaders – Penang Deputy Chief Minister P. Ramasamy, Klang MP Charles Santiago, and Bagan Dalam assemblyman Satees Muniandy. – July 4, 2022.