KJ sues Jamal for RM1m over allegations made during presser

Former Umno member Khairy Jamaluddin is suing Sungai Besar party chief Jamal Md Yunos for RM1 million over alleged defamation.

The former minister’s counsel from law firm Aizat Izuan Shakeel filed the civil action at the High Court in Kuala Lumpur on May 24.

The plaintiff’s writ of summons centred over Jamal’s press conference on the sidelines of the then-Umno general assembly at the World Trade Centre (WTC) on Jan 14.

On that date during a press conference, Jamal (above, left) reportedly said he would lodge a complaint with the Umno disciplinary board against then-party member Khairy over the latter’s allegation of an attempt to bring in “phantom voters” into the party general assembly.

Later on Jan 27, Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan announced the expulsion of Khairy (above) and several others over alleged breach of party discipline during the 15th general election (GE15).

Several other reliefs

The former Umno youth chief has since become Johor youth adviser for the Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (JDTFC) as well as a radio deejay for Hot FM.

According to a copy of the suit’s statement of claim sighted by Malaysiakini, Khairy claimed that Jamal’s statement during the press conference implied that the plaintiff has no integrity and credibility as a leader, was involved in corruption to split Umno members for personal gain, among other contentions.

Khairy claimed the statement, which was purportedly made with malice and with no basis, ruined not only his credibility and character but also jeopardised his opportunity in business and made the people lose faith in him to head any organisation.

Through the civil action, Khairy seeks RM1 million in special damages as well as unspecified general, aggravated, and exemplary damages.

The plaintiff also seeks several other reliefs such as an order for defendant Jamal to take down the allegedly defamatory statement from the latter’s official social media accounts at Facebook and Tik Tok.

Khairy is also seeking an order for Jamal to publish an apology on his Facebook and TikTok accounts as well as in the newspapers to be determined by the plaintiff.

Malaysiakini is attempting to reach out to Jamal’s legal team over the matter.

A representative from the law firm acting for Khairy, meanwhile, confirmed that the civil action is set for case management before the High Court in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.

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