FORMER Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has settled a defamation suit against former PKR member Badrul Hisham Shaharin, also known as Chegubard, over allegations of corruption linked to flood mitigation projects, with the matter concluded through a consent judgment at the High Court.
The settlement was recorded on Monday before High Court judge Justice Gan Techiong, bringing an end to a suit filed by Nik Nazmi in January 2024 over statements made by Chegubard relating to river basin transformation and flood mitigation projects.
As part of the court proceedings, Chegubard read out a public apology in open court, acknowledging that his earlier remarks had implied wrongdoing on the part of the former minister.
“I acknowledge that the allegations made against Nik Nazmi are false and baseless. I hereby withdraw all my allegations against Nik Nazmi.
“I sincerely apologise to the plaintiff for the embarrassment, hardship, and inconvenience that have arisen for him,” he said.
Under the terms of the consent judgment, Chegubard is required to publish an apology video on his social media platforms within 24 hours and remove the offending Facebook posts. He is also barred from repeating or making further similar allegations.
The court also warned Chegubard to comply strictly with the terms of the settlement, noting that failure to do so could result in contempt of court proceedings. No order as to costs was made.
Speaking to reporters after the brief proceedings, Nik Nazmi said both parties had agreed not to prolong the dispute and were ready to move forward.
The Setiawangsa Member of Parliament had initiated legal action over claims that flood mitigation projects had escalated to RM16.6 billion, involving companies and individuals allegedly acting as proxies for the minister.
Nik Nazmi rejected the allegations, stating that the Finance Ministry had approved RM11.8 billion for 33 flood mitigation projects, and that the figure cited by Chegubard was inaccurate. - May 4, 2026
