Saifuddin prepared for court battle, denies apologising to Sanusi

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution denied apologising to Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, after a claim that he has done so circulated on social media platforms.

This is in relation to Sanusi’s lawsuit against Saifuddin over the latter’s claim that Sanusi had abused his position as menteri besar and Menteri Besar Incorporated (Kedah) chairperson to steal - or be complicit in the theft of – Kedah’s rare earth resources.

Saifuddin denounced the claim circulating online as untrue and merely slander from Sanusi.

“The case has yet to start. Lawyers from both parties are still dealing with documentation.

“This irresponsible act is clearly a desperate slander from Sanusi who would use any tactic including insults and profanity,” he said.

He challenged Sanusi to stop his alleged slander and face him with arguments and evidence in court.

Malaysiakini has contacted the Kedah menteri besar’s office for comment.

Rare earth theft issue

Sanusi previously filed a defamation suit against Saifuddin regarding statements linking him to the theft of rare earth elements (REE) in Bukit Enggang, Sik, Kedah.

The legal team representing the PAS leader filed the writ of summons at the Alor Setar High Court on Aug 3, seeking general, aggravated, and exemplary damages of an unspecified amount from the PKR secretary-general.

Sanusi also sued Saifuddin over his claim that Sanusi had used RM1.6 billion from the Malaysian Road Record Information System (Marris) allocation for purposes contrary to the law.

The civil suit relates to two previous statements made by Saifuddin.

The first was during a media briefing at an event organised by the Home Ministry at the Penang police contingent headquarters on July 14, and the second was during the Madani roadshow in Guar Chempedak in Yan, Kedah, on July 15.

In response to Sanusi's letter of demand on Aug 9, Saifuddin maintained his claims related to the rare earth theft issue.

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