Saddiq apologises to Najib's ex-adviser, defamation suit settled

Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has apologised to a former adviser to Najib Abdul Razak, resulting in a settlement of the defamation suit between the two.

Syed Saddiq (above) read his apology to Habibul Rahman Kadir Shah before Sessions Court judge Norakhmar Mohd Sani today over defamatory statements made during a press conference at the Seri Pacific Hotel on Oct 2, 2017.

“At the press conference, I referred to threats made against me and my family ahead of the 14th general election, and I stressed that those threats were real.

“However, after receiving additional information, I now realise that when I made those defamatory statements, certain parties had misled me into believing that my experiences at that time were caused by Habibul,” he said.

Syed Saddiq expressed regret and apologised for his defamatory remarks, acknowledging the difficulties they had caused the plaintiff.

“I admit that my statements tarnished his reputation and damaged the image of a respected individual who once served as an adviser to the sixth prime minister (Najib), held multiple directorships in government-linked companies, founded HKS Consultants Sdn Bhd, was a corporate strategist, and also a lecturer,” he said.

False information

He also acknowledged that his defamatory statements were based on misleading information provided to him, but now he knows that the information was false.

“I sincerely and unconditionally apologise to Habibul, hoping that this apology will help restore his reputation and mend our professional and personal relationship.

“I promise never to repeat the defamatory or offensive statements or anything similar against Habibul in the future,” Syed Saddiq said.

The court then recorded the consent judgment based on the defendant’s apology and the terms of settlement, cancelling the trial date scheduled for tomorrow.

Previously, the court had set four days, starting from Tuesday (Oct 1), for the trial.

Earlier, Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos, representing Habibul, informed the court that both parties had reached an amicable agreement to settle the defamation suit, with the defendant making an apology in open court.

Lawyer Lim Wei Jiet, representing Syed Saddiq, confirmed this.

Slander

On Nov 16, 2021, Habibul filed a lawsuit against Syed Saddiq for allegedly making slanderous remarks against the plaintiff at a press conference attended by media practitioners from various news organisations.

The plaintiff claimed that the defamatory statements implied he had orchestrated, threatened and personally attacked leaders of Bersatu, including Syed Saddiq, who was then the Bersatu youth wing chief.

Speaking to reporters after the proceedings, Habibul expressed gratitude to his legal team for handling the case well, adding that the truth had finally prevailed.

Syed Saddiq, on his part, thanked the plaintiff for accepting his apology.

- Bernama

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