Zahid withdraws defamation suit against Mkini

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has withdrawn his defamation suit against Malaysiakini.

Zahid revealed this in his Facebook post today.

The civil action was over news articles on the Yayasan Akalbudi graft case against the Bagan Datuk MP.

However, the prosecution has since withdrawn the criminal case against him.

In his social media post, Zahid said he filed the civil action at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on March 24, 2021, over 22 news reports over his then ongoing criminal trial.

“However, since the High Court had, on Sept 4 last year, disposed of the case, I have been advised by my counsel to discontinue the defamation suit against Malaysiakini, to respect the said High Court decision, and without prejudice to parties involved.

“Even though the actions of the defendants have affected my good name and brought negative sentiment against me, after considering my lawyer’s advice and looking at developments, I have decided not to pursue the issue.

“I hope the defendants will be more responsible and transparent in all reports about me from now onwards,” he said.

Be principled, ethical

Zahid also expressed hope that in future there will be no repeat of defamatory and selective reporting.

Last year, the prosecution applied for a withdrawal of the case, leading to the Kuala Lumpur High Court granting a discharge not amounting to an acquittal.

The rural and regional development minister took the opportunity to remind all media and their stakeholders to continue to be highly principled and ethical in every publication.

He noted that wrong, selective, biased and inaccurate news would diminish public confidence in the value of responsible journalism and that it also could jeopardise the integrity and the good name of a person or institution.

He further expressed gratitude to the court and its officers who seek to uphold justice and equality for all citizens.

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