A FORMER Cabinet minister has indicated he will file applications for contempt of court and a gag order against businessman Datuk Seri Aliff Syukri Kamarzaman, alleging that the latter’s social media activity could prejudice ongoing legal proceedings.
Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir, the former Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism, informed the High Court that the applications would be made following Aliff Syukri’s social media postings commenting on a defamation suit Abdul Kadir had filed earlier the same day.
Abdul Kadir, 86, is suing Aliff Syukri, 38, for defamation. His counsel, Ravichandaran Selliah, told the court that despite prior advice from the court not to issue public statements, the businessman had proceeded to comment online.
“His actions must be stopped immediately because they will give rise to prejudice against the case and my client, and in turn undermine the administration of justice,” Ravichandaran said.
“This is because the post was read by millions of his followers and was even quoted by two media outlets, including an entertainment news portal,” he added.
Ravichandaran further submitted that Aliff Syukri’s statements appeared calculated to solicit public sympathy while casting his client, the plaintiff, in a negative light.
He said such personal statements had the potential to erode public confidence in the judicial system and to bring the administration of justice into disrepute.
In light of this, he urged the court to take appropriate action to safeguard the sanctity of the court, ensure a fair trial, and preserve public confidence in the legal system.
Counsel for the defendant, Zulfahmi Abu Bakar, however, told the court that the initial post, which consisted of the word “hahaha”, had already been removed.
He argued that the post amounted to nothing more than a social media sharing and did not interfere with the court’s judicial process.
“As for the interview post published by the media, I have yet to examine whether my client was contacted by the media on or before Monday. We also have no control over what the media chooses to publish,” he said.
Zulfahmi, who appeared together with lawyers Mohd Tajudin Abd Razak and Shah Nurul Afzan Abdullah, further confirmed that the statements were not intended to solicit public sympathy or exert pressure on the court in a manner that could influence the outcome of the case.
He added that he had full confidence in the court’s impartiality and believed it would not be swayed by comments made by internet users.
Accordingly, he submitted that there was no necessity for the court to grant the gag order or allow contempt proceedings as sought by the plaintiff. - January 8, 2025
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