SHAH ALAM, 18 Feb 2009: Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim today filed two defamation suits against Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo over the latter’s statements on the purchase of a Lexus and 46 head of cattle which were published in two newspapers last month.
Both suits were filed at the High Court Registrar’s Office here through the legal firm, S N Nair & Partners.
In his statement of claim, Abdul Khalid alleged that former Selangor menteri besar Mohamad Khir had said or made two statements which were defamatory and published in The New Straits Times headlined “Lexus is my own, says Khalid” dated 15 Jan, and in Utusan Malaysia headlined “Lepaskan Jawatan MB” (Give Up the MB’s Post) on 23 Jan.
Abdul Khalid claimed that the articles directly or indirectly referred to him and implied, among others, that he was dishonest, unethical and had intentionally abused his position and public office for personal gain.
He claimed that the action by Mohamad Khir was prompted by malice to cause hatred and anger against him and to belitte him in his personal and official capacities, including as menteri besar, Bandar Tun Razak Member of Parliament, and Ijok state assemblyperson.
He said Mohamad Khir had wrongfully received and displayed confidential official documents pertaining to the assumed malpractice with regard to the ‘sacrificial cattle’ without confirming the accuracy of the facts and subsequently making false allegations.
Abdul Khalid also claimed that Mohamad Khir had refused to apologise although a letter of demand had been sent to him on 3 Feb.
As such, he is seeking compensatory damages, aggravated damages, exemplary damages and an injunction to restrain Mohamad Khir from further uttering, speaking, writing or publishing the statements which he claimed were defamatory.
Nair, when met by reporters, said the two suits were filed after Mohamad Khir refused to apologise and retract his statements despite being given seven days to do so. — Bernama
