Islamic Da'wah Foundation Malaysia (Yadim) former president Nakhaie Ahmad is suing former Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin and seven others for RM1.5 million for allegedly defaming him.

The suit was filed through Messrs Ibrahim & Fuaadah at the Kuala Lumpur Civil High Court registry today.

NONE Besides Asri ( right ), also named as defendants are Kumpulan Karangkraf Sdn Bhd, Akhbar Cabaran Sdn Bhd, Hussamuddin Yaacub, Sri Diah, Azmi Tarmizi, Lailatun Khalilah Nasir and Siti Azila Alis.

Hussamuddin is the publisher of Sinar Harian newspaper, while Sri Diah, Azmi and Lailatun Khalilah, its editors, and Siti Azila, the journalist.

Kumpulan Karangkraf is the owner of the newspaper and Akhbar Cabaran, the printer.

In the statement of claims, Nakhaie, who is now Malaysian Muslim Welfare Organisation (Perkim) chairman, stated that Asri had made three defamatory statements against him at a media conference on Nov 1 last year and in two articles published by Sinar Harian on Nov 2 and 5 the same year.

Nakhaie claimed the statements gave the impression that he was the mastermind in the issue on the memorandum opposing Asri's appointment as Yadim president and on alleged irregularities in the institution.

Nakhaie also claimed that the statements injured his credibility and reputation.

He is seeking RM1.5 million in exemplary and punitive damages from all the defendants.

- Bernama