Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Noh Omar has filed two defamation suits in his personal capacity, against the Selangor state government and Sekinchan assemblyperson Ng Sue Lim.

Noh claimed that the state government had published two defamatory articles in the Nov 25 to Dec 2, 2011 edition of its newspaper Selangor Kini , alleging ‘paddy farmers were demanding Noh’s resignation’ and a picture of a banner with the words, ‘Noh betrays farmers and swindles RM110 million meant for farmers’ aid’.   

“One is against the Selangor state government and six others including the Selangor Kini editor, and another against the Sekinchan assemblyperson,” he said during a press conference at the Parliament lobby in Kuala Lumpur today.

He said the suits were for RM10 million each and filed at the Shah Alam High Court on March 9 through his lawyer Firoz Hussein Ahmad Jamaluddin.

He said he decided to sue them because his reputation as Tanjong Karang member of parliament, and position as minister and Selangor Barisan Nasional deputy chairperson were at stake.

“I took this course of action as nearing the general election the opposition has reverted to its old culture of defaming and accusing BN leaders of corruption,” he emphasised.

The court set March 22 for case management.

- Bernama

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