HUMAN Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong has stated that he is ready to face PAS leader Zaharudin Muhammad in court, following a defamation claim linked to allegations of racism over a controversial social media post.
Zaharudin, the son-in-law of PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang and head of the Sungai Buloh PAS branch, had issued a letter of demand to Sim, accusing the DAP deputy secretary-general of defamation and demanding a public apology. The letter, dated 3 July and issued by law firm Nur Maidin & Co, also threatens legal action seeking RM1.5 million in damages should Sim fail to comply.
The dispute centres on Zaharudin’s now-deleted social media post featuring an image of Lieutenant-General Datuk Johnny Lim, the highest-ranking army officer of Chinese descent.
Zaharudin used the post to raise concerns over the long-term implications of the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) retirement scheme, suggesting that children of foreign retirees could eventually rise to leadership positions, including that of prime minister.
Sim publicly condemned the post, accusing Zaharudin of fanning racial sentiments and offending the armed forces. He said his criticism was based on principle and insisted, “I merely spoke out against racism.”
Zaharudin, in turn, denied any racial intent, saying the image of the army officer was used for illustrative purposes only.
He claimed his message was misconstrued and argued the focus was on the MM2H programme, not on Lieutenant-General Lim’s promotion. Nevertheless, the post drew widespread backlash—including from within PAS—prompting Zaharudin to remove it.
Seeking to serve the legal notice personally, Zaharudin visited Sim’s service centre in Bukit Mertajam, only to find it closed. Sim later explained that staff were away attending the funeral of his late grandfather.
In response to the legal action, Sim took to social media, shrugging off the challenge and stating he was prepared to face Zaharudin in court.
Zaharudin has also publicly challenged Sim to a debate on the MM2H programme, asserting that was the real issue he had hoped to highlight. The case is now poised to proceed should the DAP minister reject the terms of the legal notice. - July 4, 2025.
