PAS leader serves LOD to Sim over 'armed forces insult', racism claims

Summary

• Zaharudin hands LOD to Sim’s aide on July 8 over alleged armed forces insult and racism claims.

• PAS leader demands an apology within seven days or promises legal action for Sim’s remarks about his social media post.

Sungai Buloh PAS division chief Zaharudin Muhammad has successfully delivered a letter of demand (LOD) to Human Resources Minister Steven Sim over remarks he claimed were defamatory.

In a Facebook post today, Zaharudin said he personally handed over the LOD to Sim’s special officer yesterday, after a failed attempt last week.

“Yesterday, I hand-delivered the defamation lawsuit letter (LOD) to Sim’s special officer over two defamatory claims – insulting the armed forces and racism.

“The letter was handed over on July 8, 2025, and he has been given seven days to apologise or face legal action,” he said.

His initial attempt on July 4 to deliver the LOD at the Bukit Mertajam MP’s service centre was unsuccessful, as the office was closed due to a bereavement.

Previously, Malaysiakini reported that Zaharudin, who is also the son-in-law of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, is pursuing legal action against the Sim for allegedly defaming him.

A short video uploaded to Zaharudin’s Facebook page showed him at Sim’s Bukit Mertajam service centre last week attempting to deliver the LOD. That attempt was unsuccessful as the office was closed at the time.

Chinese M’sian PM?

The legal notice is believed to be linked to Sim’s remarks following a controversial social media post by Zaharudin, speculating on the possibility of a Chinese Malaysian becoming prime minister in the future.

The post included a photo – described as an “illustrative image” – of senior armed forces officer Johnny Lim Eng Seng receiving his lieutenant general insignia.

Lim is the first ethnic Chinese to attain the rank in the Malaysian military.

Following the post, Sim had publicly criticised Zaharudin’s remarks and indicated he was prepared to face legal action.

Discovery of truth

Zaharudin said he hoped the legal process would lead to the discovery of the truth and serve as a lesson.

“May we all uncover the truth and use it as guidance and an example,” he said.

He also thanked Sim’s special officer, Rosly Yusof, for accepting the LOD on the minister’s behalf.

“Thank you as well to the friends from Penang PAS Youth who accompanied me,” he added.

In a separate Facebook post, Rosly described the handover as cordial and said Zaharudin’s delegation was even served a local delicacy.

“This second visit took place in a friendly atmosphere, unlike the first visit last Thursday, when the service centre was closed for a day as all staff were attending Sim’s grandfather’s funeral.

“I especially ordered the legendary Bukit Mertajam fried noodles – Mi Pak Sharif – for brother Zaharudin, who came all the way from Selangor, and his friends,” he said.

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