PAS central committee member Mazlan Aliman today filed an application at the High Court in Johor Baru to strike out a suit by Pengerang Member of Parliament Azalina Othman Said.

    

The application by Mazlan, through counsel Mohd Harris Al Hajj Abdullah, was made in the chambers of Justice Abdul Rahman Sebli.

Mazlan, who is also Felda Settlers’ Children’s Association (Anak) president, and the lawyer for the plaintiff, Intan Azlina Mazlan, were also present.

On Dec 20 last year, Azalina filed the suit against Mazlan, for allegedly making defamatory remarks on the Petronas’ Refinery And Petrochemical Integrated Development (Rapid) project in Pengerang, Kota Tinggi during a gathering at the Sungai Rengit Square, Pengerang, on Sept 30.

Mazlan, in his speech during the gathering, had allegedly claimed that Azalina had influenced Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak into picking Pengerang for the site of the project.

Azalina claimed Mazlan’s statement had tarnished her reputation as a member of Parliament and her good name was exposed to hatred, contempt and ridicule.

In her statement of claim, the plaintiff sought a general apology from the defendent and compensation, an injunction to prevent the defendant from further issuing defamatory words and also interest on the compensation, besides costs.

The defendant, in his bid to strike out the suit, cited that the statements made at the gathering did not constitute defamation.

Mohd Harris said Abdul Rahman fixed April 11 for submissions on the case.

- Bernama