Sanusi’s poor leadership dented own reputation - Saifuddin

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail contended that Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s poor governance compromised the latter’s own reputation.

The PKR secretary-general raised this contention in his statement of defence against the PAS leader’s defamation suit over theft allegations linked to the rare earth elements (REE) in Bukit Enggang, Sik, Kedah.

“With respect to Sanusi’s reputation, which he claims to have been tarnished, Saifuddin contends that Sanusi’s reputation has certainly been compromised, lowered and put to ridicule.

“However, Saifuddin contends that this damage to Sanusi's reputation is not attributable to the statements (by the minister) but rather to factors attributed to Sanusi’s poor governance and administrative malpractice during his tenure as the Kedah CM (chief minister) and chairperson of Kedah MBI (Menteri Besar Incorporated),” the defendant contended in the statement of defence filed at the Alor Setar High Court on Sept 14.

Saifuddin (above, right) also cited the alleged handling of RM1.6 billion of funds for the Malaysian Road Record Information System (MARRIS) in a manner that is improper or ways indicative of a lack of proper financial acumen on the part of the Kedah state government under Sanusi’s leadership, as well as the controversial governance-related issues associated with REE.

“All of these suggest that Sanusi may be perceived as a weak leader, lacking essential leadership qualities required to effectively govern a state,” the defendant contended.

‘Speech made in public interest’

Saifuddin also cited the defence of justification (ready to prove the truth of an allegation in court), fair comment (whereby his speech was made in the public interest, thus, the public has the right to obtain information on such public interest matters) and qualified privilege (a situation where the words are issued by a person who has an interest, or a legal, social, or moral duty to do so).

When contacted, the defendant’s counsel Navpreet Singh said the civil action is set for further case management before the High Court on Sept 21.

On Aug 3, Sanusi filed the lawsuit against Saifuddin, demanding the defendant pay unspecified general, aggravated and exemplary damages.

The plaintiff’s civil action is over Saifuddin’s statements made on two occasions - during a press conference at a Home Ministry event at the Penang contingent police headquarters on July 14, and a speech during a Jelajah Perpaduan Madani programme at Guar Chempedak, Yan, Kedah, on July 15.

The July 14 statement was regarding Marris funding while the July 15 remarks were over the alleged REE theft.

According to the statement of claim, Sanusi alleged both statements tainted his public reputation as a politician, triggered public negative perception of him as a political figure who implements Islamic principles in the Kedah state administration, and disturbed his focus on his daily duties as state menteri besar.

Sanusi claimed the statements were maliciously made in light of the state elections in Kedah and five other states on Aug 12.

Through the civil action, the plaintiff also seeks the defendant to make a public apology in local newspapers, as well as online news portals and satellite broadcast television stations.

On July 20, Saifuddin reportedly said the REE disclosure was not meant to tarnish Sanusi’s image but rather to show there is an issue of administrative malpractice.

Six days later, in response to Sanusi’s letter of demand, Saifuddin said he was standing by his claims.

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