A DEFAMATION suit filed by Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) vice-president Ng Chin Chai against former national men’s singles player Muhammad Roslin Hashim was resolved in an out-of-court settlement today after the latter apologised to the former at the Kuala Lumpur High Court today.

Roslin, 48, when reading out the statement of apology before judge Ahmad Shahrir Mohd Salleh, said he sincerely apologised openly and unconditionally to Ng for making defamatory statements and insulting the latter during a Facebook Live on his account Abe Lin on January 19, 2022.

“I regretted making the statement that has caused various problems and difficulties for Datuk Ng Chin Chai. I realise my statement damaged his reputation and good name as a lawyer and BAM official, especially to badminton fans in Malaysia.

“I am also aware I have caused embarrassment to Datuk Ng through offensive words that were baseless and should not have been expressed at all. I hope this apology can clear Datuk Ng’s good name and restore the professional and personal relationship between us,” said Roslin, who also pledged not to repeat the defamatory, offensive and insulting words against Ng.

The terms of the settlement were recorded before judge Shahrir.

Also present at today’s proceedings were lawyers Jahabardeen Mohamed Yunoos, representing Ng, and Cassandra Lee, for Roslin.

Ng filed the suit against Roslin on March 28, 2022, claiming the shuttler had made defamatory and offensive statements against him on Facebook Live under the username Abe Lin, which was watched by hundreds of his followers and reporters.

Ng had said the defamatory statements gave the impression he was the mastermind behind BAM’s move to block the country’s men’s singles player Lee Zii Jia from participating in international badminton tournaments, as well as causing the downfall of badminton in Malaysia.

On September 6, Roslin made an open apology in court over a defamation suit filed by BAM secretary-general Kenny Goh Chee Keong. – Bernama, September 11, 2023.