Former Malaysia Airlines chairperson Tajudin Ramli and The Malaysian Insider will work out the terms of a possible settlement over the RM200 million libel suit the former filed against the news portal this Friday.

The Malaysian Insider ’s counsel George Miranda told reporters at the Duta Court Complex in Kuala Lumpur that both parties agreed to work towards recording a settlement this Sept 30.

tajudin ramli 1 The matter came before Justice Harmindar Singh Dhaliwall today in chambers.

"We cannot disclose the terms of settlement as they are still being worked out.

"If the parties can agree on the terms, we will record a settlement on Friday," said Miranda.

Also present was Tajudin's lawyer Lim Kian Leong.

Tajudin named its editor Jahabar Siddiq, reporter Shazwan Mustafa Kamal and The Malaysian Insider as defendants over allegations that the portal had published defamatory words in the May 31 article "MACC clear A-G of graft allegations".

In its ordinary meaning, Tajudin alleged that the meaning of the offending paragraph was that MAS lost RM8 billion during his tenure from 1994 to 2001.

It also meant that a complaint had been lodged against him for the RM8 billion loss and that he was dishonest and unprofessional in his dealings with MAS.

klia airport 141105 mas aircraft at the terminal Tajudin said the offending paragraph had by way of innuendo alleged there were irregularities in his dealings in MAS, he was unfit to be its executive chairperson, and he had perpetrated fraud by making secret profits in transactions.

The tycoon also claimed it also meant that he had been found guilty of improper and dishonest conduct and should be subjected to investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

It also meant he had received pecuniary advantage or abused his position.

Not defamatory

Tajudin claimed they were not fair statements and implied that he was implicated in the investigations against the attorney-general.

He claimed his solicitors had written to the defendant in June requesting the withdrawal of the said words, but in a letter the defendants replied that it was not defamatory, claiming it was in the public domain including in The Star's report on Dec 16, 2010.

He is seeking general damages of RM200 million, aggravated and exemplary damages, interest and costs.

The businessperson is also seeking a withdrawal of the article.