Education minister demands RM500k from Jasin MP, Harakah Daily

Fadhlina Sidek has given Jasin MP Zulkifli Ismail and Harakah Daily 48 hours to pay her RM500,000 over alleged defamation.

This is over allegation that the education minister ordered schools nationwide not to conduct takbir and qunut nazilah during the Palestine Solidarity Week.

The PKR parliamentarian for Nibong Tebal sought this in her letter of demand issued to the PAS lawmaker and the party’s mouthpiece yesterday over a Harakah Daily online article titled ‘Ajaran Siapa Tak Boleh Takbir di Sekolah?’ and published on Nov 6.

According to the legal letter dated yesterday, Fadhlina rubbished as untrue the article’s claim that she and the ministry had prohibited schools from conducting takbir or qunut nazilah during the Palestine Solidarity Week.

She contended that the article implied that she had deviated from the Islamic faith, was dishonest, and ruined her good name as education minister.

Besides the RM500,000 compensation, Fadhlina’s 48-hour ultimatum also included her demand for the duo to take down the online article and make an unqualified apology to her.

She is also seeking a written undertaking from Zulkifli and Harakah Daily for the duo to promise not to repeat the allegedly defamatory statements, as well as to bear all her legal costs. 

Her legal team from law firm Ibrahim & Fuaadah also stated that failure on the duo’s part to abide by her demands would lead to her commencing legal action without further notice to them.

When reached out by Malaysiakini, a member of Fadhlina’s legal team confirmed the issuance of the legal letter.

Malaysiakini is attempting to reach out to lawyers representing Zulkifli and Harakah Daily over the minister’s letter of demand.

Fahmi places newspaper listing to serve defamation suit on Papagomo

Anwar’s suit against Pendang MP to be heard in Jan 2025

Loke won't sue Siti Mastura, says Lim relative claim untrue but not defamatory

Sungai Siput MP settles RM100k defamation suit

DAP family conspiracy: Mastura submits 'reference material' to cops

Zuraida apologises to Saifuddin, settles defamation suit