KUALA LUMPUR – Former top cop Tun Mohammed Hanif Omar has apologised to Lim Kit Siang and retracted a statement made in 2018, alleging the DAP veteran “wanted to split Malaysia along racial lines”.
Hanif issued a statement of apology in the high court here today during the proceedings linked to a defamation suit filed by Lim.
“I confirm that the plaintiff’s (Lim) arrest in 1969 was not on the basis that he called for the country to be divided according to racial lines,” Hanif told the court, reported Free Malaysia Today.
Co-defendant Sinar Karangkraf Sdn Bhd said it will issue an open apology to Lim this week over its reports linked to Hanif’s allegations.
The publisher is ordered to pay RM20,000 costs to Lim.
Lim retracted his statement against Hanif accusing the former police chief of coming up with a “cock-and-bull story” over his 1969 ISA detention.
“I express regret that this unfortunate incident occurred and retract my statement on September 7, 2018 against Tun Hanif,” he was quoted as saying.
Lim sued Hanif for defamation in 2018, alleging that the comments smeared his reputation as an MP and a public figure.
The Iskandar Puteri MP sought general, aggravated, and exemplary damages as well as an injunction against Hanif or his agents from republishing the statements. Hanif had filed a counter-claim against Lim. – The Vibes, September 20, 2021
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