Hamzah files RM100 million defamation suit against Redzuan

DATUK Seri Hamzah Zainuddin has filed a RM100 million defamation suit against Bersatu founder Datuk Seri Redzuan Yusof, over allegations that he arranged for six of the party's MPs to support Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in 2023.

The suit was filed by Hamzah, who is also the Larut MP, at the Shah Alam High Court on January 12 through law firm Messrs Siddiq Azani & Co, naming Redzuan as the defendant.

Based on the writ of summons and statement of claim, Hamzah is seeking RM50 million in general damages and RM25 million each for aggravated and exemplary damages.

He also requested the court to impose five per cent interest per annum on the judgment amount from the date of the decision until full settlement.

In addition, Hamzah sought an order for Redzuan to withdraw the statement and make a public and unconditional apology through electronic media and Malay-language daily newspapers, according to terms agreed upon by his party.

Hamzah claimed that Redzuan failed to apologise for the statement published in Berita Harian on November 5, 2025, which he described as false, malicious and damaging to his reputation as the Leader of the Opposition and senior leader of Bersatu at the time.

Among other things, Hamzah said, Redzuan claimed that he pressured Bersatu President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to resign, mobilised six Bersatu MPs to support Anwar and sabotaged the party.

The six MPs involved were Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar) and Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang).

Hamzah said that the widespread publication of the statement through newspapers and digital platforms exposed him to criticism, hatred and public ridicule, as well as undermining the confidence of party members and the public in his role as Leader of the Opposition.

Following this, he sent a letter of demand to Redzuan on November 6 last year.

However, law firm Messrs Cheah Teh & Su, which represented Redzuan, responded the next day by denying that the former Alor Gajah MP had made the disputed statement.

Hamzah, who is also the former Deputy President of Bersatu, was sacked from the party on February 13. – February 24, 2026