KUALA LUMPUR – Statements by 17-year-old Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam and her parents have purportedly caused mental distress to a teacher who allegedly made rape jokes in class, to the point that he suffered depression.
According to a letter of demand addressed to the student, as well as her parents Saiful Nizam Abdul Wahab and Norshaniza Sharifudin, the male teacher alleged that the family made defamatory remarks that led to him suffering emotional anguish and finding it hard to face the public.
“Our client also feels threatened, and is worried about the safety of himself and his family,” said the letter, which was sighted by The Vibes.
Among the statements that the physical education teacher deems defamatory are comments by Ain Husniza in a TikTok video in April, where she alleged that the said teacher made rape jokes.
The letter of demand said further statements by Ain Husniza and her parents in press interviews also contain elements of defamation.
The teacher said the statements are not only false, but have ruined his reputation.
He is demanding that Ain Husniza, Saiful Nizam and Norshaniza refrain from making statements against him, retract the statements already made, apologise for the statements already made, and promise not to make such statements again, along with a payment of RM1 million.
It is understood that the teenager and her parents, through their lawyer, have informed the teacher through his counsel that they are prepared to counter-sue for RM5 million.
In a press conference last week, Ain Husniza’s lawyer Datuk Sankara Nair said there is a strong case for her to file legal action against the teacher for causing her mental distress.
Police have initiated a probe into Ain Husniza under Section 504 of the Penal Code for intentionally insulting, with the intent for such provocation to threaten public peace.
A report lodged by Ain Husniza and her father earlier against the teacher has been classified as “no further action”. – The Vibes, August 11, 2021