MINISTER in the Prime Minister’s Department Abdul Rahman Dahlan today filed a suit against PKR vice-president, Mohd Rafizi Ramli over alleged defamatory statements regarding the organising of Ekspo Negaraku 2017.

On January 30, Rahman as the plaintiff filed a suit through Messrs Raja Riza & Associates at the High Court, naming Rafizi as the sole defendant.

Counsel Abdul Halim Abdul Karim, who represented Rafizi said Judge Mohd Zaki Abdul Wahab fixed March 29 for management of the case when it was mentioned in his chambers today with counsel M. Reza Hassan representing Rahman.

In the statement of claim, Rahman said on November 10, 2017, Rafizi posted on his Facebook he would hold a press conference on abuses committed by a minister.

Rahman who is also Member of Parliament for Kota Belud, Sabah, claimed Rafizi held a press conference titled “Umno’s latest scandal involves which minister?” at his office in Sungai Besi on December 11, 2017.

The plaintiff claimed the press conference was telecast live on the defendant Facebook with the intention of publishing defamatory remarks aimed at him.

Rahman also claimed the defamatory statements were intended at making him seemed dishonest, corrupt, and involved in dubious transactions.

As a result of the defamatory statements, the plaintiff said his reputation and honour were affected, especially in the eyes of the voters in Kota Belud, and he was looked down by society for his alleged self-interest and the interests of his family.

Rahman claimed damages and an injunction order the defendant or his representatives be forbidden from publishing, making or printing similar words which defamed him.

He also sought an order the defendant publish an apology in major Malay and English newspapers with terms agreed by the plaintiff. – Bernama, February 22, 2018.