KJ: Defamation suit to counter falsehood on Covid-19 vaccines

Summary

• Former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin testifies that his defamation suit seeks to enlighten the public over lies and falsehoods regarding the efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines.

• The civil action targets preacher Mohd Rasyiq Mohd Alwi who alleged Khairy of being reckless and irresponsible in the procurement of Covid-19 vaccines.

Former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin testified in the Kuala Lumpur High Court today that his defamation suit seeks to inform the public against the lies and falsehood on Covid-19 vaccination.

The former Rembau MP said this during the full trial of his civil action against popular preacher Ustaz Abu Syafiq, real name Mohd Rasyiq Mohd Alwi.

The plaintiff maintained that he carried out his duty entrusted by the government to get the pandemic under control during his tenure as health minister from August 2021 to November 2022.

Khairy (above) said it was important to assure the public that the vaccine works and is safe, efficacious and effective, as well as to counter any fake news, inaccurate accusations and unscientific allegations.

"This trial is important to ensure this matter (false allegation over Covid-19 vaccination) is corrected and also an opportunity for us to send a message that in a time of great public health crisis, it was utterly irresponsible for (certain) people to spread what I consider as lies and falsehood, especially against somebody vested by the government to manage the public health crisis.

"In that spirit, I would like to lay down for this court's consideration via my witness statement and testimony, especially in times of crisis, that it was important for us to act judiciously against all falsehood that could undermine public confidence (in the vaccination efficacy and efforts to combat the pandemic)," Khairy told trial judge Raja Ahmad Mohzanuddin Shah Raja Mohzan.

The plaintiff's suit was over the allegation that he acted recklessly or irresponsibly in the procurement of Covid-19 vaccines for the inoculation programmes in Malaysia in 2021.

Earlier today, the civil court ordered the full trial to continue in spite of the absence of defendant Rasyiq.

Raja Mohzanuddin ruled that the proceedings must continue as Khairy and the court had been very patient in allowing the preacher an extension of time to appoint a new counsel to represent the defendant.

‘Right decision’

During today's trial, former health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah testified that the World Health Organization (WHO) lauded Malaysia over the country's successful efforts to tackle the pandemic between 2020 and 2022.

"At the time, based on the information we had, we made the right decisions and perspective, and we became a role model for other countries.

"Unfortunately, today most of us have moved on, it is important for us to look back on the lessons learnt and how we can strengthen the current health system to strengthen us for the future," Hisham ruminated.

After Khairy and Hisham wrapped up their testimonies, Raja Mohzanuddin set tomorrow for oral submissions by the plaintiff's lawyer Abdul Rashid Ali.

Previously in the defamation suit filed in January 2022, Khairy had sued Rasyiq and Umno supreme council member Lokman Noor Adam.

However, in April last year, Lokman agreed to apologise to settle the suit against him.

Khairy claimed he was defamed by several social media posts, which included allegations that the plaintiff acted recklessly and/or irresponsibly in the procurement of Covid-19 vaccines for the inoculation programmes in Malaysia.

The “Keluar Sekejap” podcaster also claimed he was defamed by allegations linked to his Covid-19 vaccination status.

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