Dzulkefly slaps Najib with defamation suit, seeks RM5 mil damages

KUALA LUMPUR – Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s famous wit on social media will now be subjected to the judiciary after Kuala Selangor MP Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad slaps the former with a defamation suit.

Following a statement of claim filed at the high court here yesterday, Dr Dzulkefly who was also a former health minister points towards a Facebook post uploaded by Najib on August 24, 2020, attached with screenshots of a Sinar Harian article dated January 28, 2019.

The post, which took aim at the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, implicated the Kuala Selangor MP and his daughter Nurul Iman Dzulkefly.

The posting that Dr Dzulkefly himself described as cynical, reads:

“The people must know that nepotism, cronyism and political appointments only happen in the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government.

“It never happened with the failed PH coalition before, although the wife of the seventh prime minister’s political secretary was appointed to chair the board of directors for Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), while a minister’s daughter was chosen to be a member of the board.

“The excuse given by PH was that they are qualified given their experience in commerce.

“PH also did not disturb the cornerstone institutions of Malaysia although a lawyer to the failed accountant was appointed attorney-general, while Amanah and PKR leaders were all given speaker positions and became the commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

“If PH does it, it’s okay. Others should not follow suit.”

Dr Dzulkefly strongly asserts in court documents that Najib’s posting is defamatory.

Following the statement of claim, netizens have so far shared the post 970 times, garnering 615 social media comments.

“In other words, it has been republished 970 times after it was first posted by the defendant,” Dr Dzulkefly said in his statement of claim.

Further to support his case, the opposition MP highlights the social media reactions garnered via Najib’s posting and informs the court that there will be evidence to show what those reactions mean.

Additionally, Dr Dzulkefly accuses Najib of causing serious damage to his reputation as a politician and former minister with clean records, adding that this resulted in hateful messages and insults being targeted at himself.

He also mentioned that on January 4, 2021, he instructed lawyers to send a letter of demand to the Pekan MP, seeking a retraction, apology and RM1 million in damages.

Unfortunately for the Amanah lawmaker, Najib contends he has committed no wrongs.

Now, Dr Dzulkefly is seeking an injunction to prevent Najib from making further defamatory claims and a formal apology among other things from the high court and he is also claiming RM5 million in general damages. – The Vibes, January 1, 2022