KUALA LUMPUR – Unperturbed by a possible multi-million ringgit defamation suit, PKR information chief Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin said comments linking former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) financial scandal are nothing new.
“With the social media posting on the RM2.6 billion that he is angry about, I think that many Malaysians could be sued,” Shamsul told The Vibes.
“If he wants to sue, he can sue. But the matter is not about me; it’s about the people of the country. It (the scandal) is something that is known nationally.”
Asked if he felt he was being singled out from among a sea of Najib’s critics, Shamsul quipped: “Maybe he needs me.”
“Now we’re in the context of the Johor election, and of course, there are a lot of issues concerning him now, especially the trial of Tim Leissner. So, since he is insisting on filing a suit, I’ll have to wait.”
On his preparedness to face the suit, Shamsul said some of his opposition colleagues such as Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer have offered free legal support.
Shamsul also said he was not aware of the initial letter of demand sent by Shafee and Co, but he stands by his Facebook post.
I’m sure Najib has been advised accordingly by his lawyers (to file the suit), so if he is insisting on it, I have no choice but to wait. His legal team sent the initial letter to the party (PKR) headquarters while all of us were busy campaigning.”
On Facebook yesterday, Najib said he was proceeding with the defamation suit after Shamsul Iskandar failed to answer the letter of demand sent by his solicitors Shafee & Co on March 1.
Among other demands, the letter called for Shamsul to make a “full and unequivocal” written apology and retraction of a Facebook post that saw Shamsul also accusing disgraced former Goldman Sachs banker Tim Leissner and fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho of using billions to fund their lavish lifestyles.
The letter gave Shamsul until March 5 to make the apology and delete the Facebook post that was published on February 23.
Najib, who is Pekan MP, denied claims that he “stole” RM2.6 billion of 1MDB funds to buy rings and handbags as the matter has been proven in court, although members of the opposition would, in his view, continue with “deceptive propaganda”. – The Vibes, March 8, 2022
