The High Court in Kuala Lumpur today struck out the defamation suit cabinet minister Jamil Khir Baharom filed against National Oversight and Whistleblowers (NOW) director Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.

The lawsuit was filed over Akmal's comments alleging the minister in the Prime Minister's Department was abusing funds meant for orphans and the poor.

Justice Nor Bee Ariffin cited the Pahang menteri besar Adnan Yaakob vs Utusan Malaysia decision made by the Court of Appeal as a basis for the decision, which was made in chambers.

The appellate court had ruled that public figures who hold public office cannot sue the media for defamation.