Seputeh MP Teresa Kok has filed a RM1 million defamation suit against red-shirts leader Jamal Md Yunos at the High Court in Kuala Lumpur today.

The suit is over the Sungai Besar Umno chief's accusation against the DAP lawmaker of allegedly abusing the Skim Mesra Usia Emas (SMUE).

“Today, I file the suit against Jamal Yunos over his wrongful and false accusations against me for taking Selangor government's SMUE ATM card to withdraw a large sum of money from the state's bank account.

“As you know, the Malaysian-Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) came to my office and took away all SMUE files. So we have given them many boxes of documents.

“What Jamal Yunos did has damaged my reputation and my work as the people's representative,” she told reporters at Jalan Duta court complex here.

SMUE is an emergency aid scheme where family members can apply for RM2,500 funeral expenses for those who are born in Selangor.

According to the writ, Kok is seeking RM1 million in general damages, compensatory damages, aggravated damages, exemplary damages, injunction against the defendant from repeating the defamatory statement, as well as annual interest amounting  to 5 percent on damages and cost.

Azmin willing to testify

Kok revealed that Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali was willing to testify in the case. 

“For Jamal to accuse me in that way, you know, is grossly unfair and angers the people.

“Even Azmin said he is willing to be my witness if I sue Jamal,” the DAP national vice chief added.

In a related matter, Kok's counsel Sankara Nair said his firm will serve the writ to Jamal.

He said Jamal should have the courage to accept the writ, given how he had in the past, refused to accept a notice. 

“I have heard about that, we only file the writ based on the known address.

“If he is brave enough to make the allegation, he should be brave enough to accept it. I think that's the way it should be. I believe he told a website that he was waiting for Teresa's suit. Keep up his bravado," said Sankara. 

On March 16, Jamal lodged a report to the MACC, accusing Kok and several Pakatan Harapan representatives of misappropriating SMUE fund, claiming the bereavement money did not reach qualified applicants.

Last Friday, MACC raided Kok's office and seized files pertaining to the matter.