DATIN Seri Rosmah Mansor has filed a RM10 million defamation suit against comedian Harith Iskander, claiming a stand-up comedy performance in Melaka earlier this year subjected her to public ridicule, body shaming and caused serious damage to her reputation.
In her statement of claim, sighted by The Edge, Rosmah alleged that Harith made defamatory remarks during his “Harith Iskander: The Outspoken Comedy Tour” at the Swiss-Garden Hotel in Melaka on Jan 17, 2026, where her photograph was displayed as part of a segment involving images of mythical creatures.
Rosmah claimed the remarks were made with “malicious intent” to degrade her reputation and negatively portray her before the audience.
She alleged that the performance created an impression that she possessed “evil, cruel and/or immoral characteristics”, and that she could be associated with entities linked to “evil, wickedness and/or supernatural elements”.
The former prime minister’s wife further claimed the routine portrayed her as someone who deserved to be “humiliated, mocked and insulted before the public”, while damaging her credibility, dignity, social standing and public image.
Claims remarks spread through social media
Rosmah alleged the comparison was particularly serious because it was made during a live comedy performance intended for entertainment, rather than in a neutral discussion or private setting.
She claimed the remarks resulted in public criticism, sarcasm, ridicule and insults after recordings of the performance were republished on social media.
According to the statement of claim, two clips uploaded by TikTok user @mayychan0303 recorded significant viewership before being removed.
Rosmah alleged the first clip received 219,700 views and 3,354 likes, while the second recorded 12,500 views and 145 likes.
She claimed Harith knew, or should reasonably have known, that the performance could be recorded, disseminated and republished online, but proceeded with the remarks “recklessly, carelessly and/or with malice”.
Through her lawyers Messrs Hafarizam Wan & Aisha Mubarak, Rosmah issued a letter of demand dated Feb 6, 2026, seeking, among others, an unconditional apology and retraction, removal of publications containing the alleged remarks, an undertaking not to repeat the statements, RM10 million in damages and legal costs.
Harith says routine must be viewed in full context
In his statement of defence sighted by The Edge and dated July 9, Harith denied that the remarks or visuals shown during the performance were defamatory, malicious or capable of carrying the meanings alleged by Rosmah.
The comedian argued that the routine must be assessed in the context of the entire 90-minute stand-up performance, including its narrative, delivery, timing, audience interaction, disclaimers and house rules.
Harith admitted that images of mythical creatures were displayed during the performance but denied that they were intended to portray Rosmah as “a ghostly creature, something frightening, evil, ugly, disgusting, inhuman or carried any defamatory meaning”.
He also argued that Rosmah’s claim relied on two edited TikTok videos rather than the full performance.
Harith denied recording, uploading or publishing the clips, saying he did not know the TikTok account holder and had not authorised, encouraged or consented to the recording or dissemination of the videos.
According to his defence, the recordings were made without his knowledge and in breach of instructions prohibiting audio and video recordings during the performance.
Defence cites comedy, satire and freedom of expression
Harith further claimed the TikTok videos were incomplete and taken out of context, as they allegedly omitted explanations, disclaimers and instructions given before and during the show.
The defence stated that audience members were informed before the performance that recordings were prohibited, with house rules including messages such as: “No video or audio recording. Enjoy the moment”, and “This is comedy, not a personal attack.”
Harith also claimed Rosmah’s image appeared for less than five seconds during the approximately 90-minute performance and was neither the main subject nor a recurring focus of the routine.
He argued that the performance was an exercise in artistic expression and satire, citing Article 10(1)(a) of the Federal Constitution, which provides for freedom of speech.
Harith maintained that the routine was presented solely for entertainment and artistic expression, and not with the intention of damaging Rosmah’s reputation, dignity or good name.
Through Messrs Karpal Singh & Co, Harith has asked the High Court to dismiss Rosmah’s suit with costs. – July 14, 2026
