Perlis mufti sues GISBH for RM10m in defamation damages

Perlis Mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin is seeking RM10 million in defamation damages from controversial company Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH).

The state religious leader filed the defamation suit at the Shah Alam High Court on Oct 1.

According to the cause papers Malaysiakini sighted, the plaintiff is suing over the defendant's press conference held on Aug 29.

The presser was about GISBH's letter of demand to Asri (above) over the mufti’s alleged defamatory statement regarding the group.

The legal letter targeted Asri's earlier Facebook posting dated Aug 16 where he allegedly referred to an unnamed cult.

In his supporting affidavit, Asri rubbished the allegation in the press conference, pointing out the claim made it sound like he was a religious leader who did not abide by the sunnah of Islam.

Besides the press conference, Asri's civil action also targeted GISBH's two other Facebook postings, one dated Aug 27 over an announcement of the issuance of the letter of demand against Asri, while the other, dated Aug 28, over the press conference invitation announcement.

Asri claimed that despite having issued his own letter of demand for GISBH to delete the posts, apologise, and pay RM10 million in damages, the defendant allegedly failed to abide by the demands.

Aggravated and exemplary damages

Asri seeks RM10 million in aggravated and exemplary damages through the present civil suit

The plaintiff is also seeking court orders for an apology to be carried in newspapers and on social media and for deletion of the posts.

Malaysiakini has contacted GISBH for a response to Asri's civil action.

The company came into the spotlight following allegations of child abuse at its welfare homes and purported deviant religious activities, leading to the authorities' raids on its premises.

Since then, the media reported that several members were detained under the provisions of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).

Law firm Faizal Rahman & Co acted for Asri.

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