Wan Saiful seeks RM10m from Tun Faisal over Jana Wibawa remarks

Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan is seeking RM10 million in damages from Bersatu information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz over alleged defamatory remarks.

In a Facebook post today, he claimed that Tun Faisal, in a podcast episode, had made defamatory statements regarding his alleged involvement in the Jana Wibawa corruption scandal - a government programme introduced during the Covid-19 crisis to assist bumiputera contractors.

Wan Saiful (above) said his lawyers had issued a letter of demand on Dec 3, requesting that the statements be retracted, and for both a written and video apology to be published.

He is also seeking a written guarantee that such statements would not be repeated and compensation for all expenses incurred related to the matter, apart from the RM10 million.

Failure to meet these demands, Wan Saiful said, would result in legal proceedings being initiated.

Reply from Tun Faisal’s counsel

Wan Saiful added that he has also received a reply from Tun Faisal's lawyers, which is being reviewed by his counsel.

“I have been informed by my lawyers that Tun Faisal, through his legal counsel, has sent a reply letter dated Jan 12.

“My lawyers are examining and reviewing the said reply letter before a decision on further action is made.

“I emphasise that I reserve and maintain all my legal rights regarding this matter without any prejudice,” he added.

Tun Faisal also hit back at allegations that Bersatu secretary-general Azmin Ali is Muhyiddin's favourite, arguing that suspended leaders Wan Saiful and Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal were the ones who received multiple privileges from the party president.

In episode 41 of The Tiger Show podcast, Tun Faisal said the two men had benefited significantly from Muhyiddin's patronage, citing Wan Saiful's nomination to contest the Tasek Gelugor parliamentary seat in the last general election despite being the Bangi Bersatu division chief at the time.

Tun Faisal said Wan Saiful and Wan Ahmad Fayhsal were the ones who received various benefits, including Jana Wibawa for Wan Saiful, adding that Muhyiddin had also personally fought for Wan Saiful to secure the Tasek Gelugor candidacy.

He also pointed out that Wan Ahmad Fayhsal rose from being an aide to former youth and sports minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman to becoming a deputy minister without holding any significant party position, before eventually becoming Bersatu Youth wing chief.

The remarks came as Tun Faisal defended Azmin's role in the party, attributing his influence to competence in administration and party management rather than favouritism.

Corruption charges

Previously, Muhyiddin had been charged for abuse of power related to the mismanagement of funds worth RM232.5 million from the said initiative.

The Kuala Lumpur High Court has fixed March 9 for Muhyiddin’s trial to begin.

Wan Saiful was also investigated and charged with corruption and money laundering involving more than RM5 million, linked to the Jana Wibawa programme. The trial is ongoing.

In October 2025, Wan Saiful was sacked from Bersatu by the party’s disciplinary board, following allegations of violating the party’s constitution and its code of ethics and conduct.

While the board did not detail the violations, it is believed that Wan Saiful and four other Bersatu division leaders were expelled in connection with an attempt to pressure Muhyiddin into handing over party leadership to his deputy, Hamzah Zainudin.

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