Keadilan Youth chief Ezam Mohd Nor has responded positively to former youth secretary Lokman Noor Adam's retraction, but has today vowed to go ahead with his lawsuit against Malay daily Berita Harian , for failing to fully clarify the nature of Lokman's retraction.

Ezam said the paper - in its report on Lokman's decision to recant his allegations against Ezam for supposed financial mismanagement - had taken Lokman's apology out of context and omitted any mention that the allegations were untrue.

"I feel that Berita Harian was not sincere in publishing Lokman's retraction. I felt it was taken out of context," said Ezam.

"To be fair to me, ( Berita Harian ) should explain the real reasons behind Lokman's retraction, rather than say his decision was made to protect the interest of the party," he added.

Given that TV3 managed to report Lokman's retraction yesterday, he said, there was no reason why Berita Harian could not do the same today.

No mention of claim

In its article today, Berita Harian reported that Lokman "made the decision on the advice of party leaders, and in addition was aimed at protecting the good name and reputation of Keadilan."

The report however made no mention of Lokman's claim that the information he received on the alleged financial irregularities was untrue and that it originated from sources who were attempting to create disunity within the party.

"I also hope that the media - especially those who had reported the allegations I had made - to also report this withdrawal as I will not be responsible in the event a civil suit is filed against any party relating to the allegations that I am now retracting,"

In a statement to the press earlier today, Ezam had announced his intention to pursue legal action against any party if they failed to announce Lokman's retraction and clear his name of impropriety.

"The allegations were baseless...and I view them seriously," said Ezam.

Berita Harian

was unable to comment on Ezam's decision to pursue legal action.

Allegations not true

Meanwhile, Ezam also announced his satisfaction with Lokman's explanation, and is convinced that the allegations of Lokman joining Umno and urging other members to defect, was untrue.

Despite this, the party's supreme council will continue their internal inquiry into Lokman's suspension as youth secretary and the public accusations he had made against Ezam and the party, which he has since retracted.

"Given that he has verbally explained his (mistake) to me, I will personally make an appeal to the supreme council to take into consideration his retraction."

"I take his explanation positively," said Ezam, but added that his decision to replace Lokman as youth wing secretary remained. The post of secretary is currently held by the wing's Selangor chief SD Johari.