Bersatu co-founder Redzuan Yusof has declined to comment on a RM100 million defamation suit brought against him by opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin, saying he does not wish to prejudice ongoing legal proceedings.
The legal action stems from an allegation that Redzuan had claimed Hamzah orchestrated a move by six Bersatu MPs to back Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in 2023.
“I have left it to my lawyers to take the necessary action. No further comment to avoid prejudicing the case,” the former minister who served in Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin’s cabinet told Malaysiakini.
Hamzah, who was recently expelled from Bersatu, filed the suit at the Shah Alam High Court on Jan 12 through Messrs Siddiq Azani & Co.
The former Bersatu deputy president is seeking RM100 million in general damages, along with aggravated and exemplary damages, interest, and legal costs.
In addition, Hamzah is demanding that Redzuan retract the alleged statement and issue an unconditional public apology via electronic media and Malay-language daily newspapers, based on terms to be agreed upon.
According to the statement of claim, Hamzah contends that remarks published in Berita Harian on Nov 5, 2025, were false and malicious, and had damaged his standing as opposition leader and a senior Bersatu figure at the time.
He alleged that Redzuan had accused him of pressuring Muhyiddin to resign, engineering the support of six Bersatu MPs for Anwar, and undermining the party.
The six MPs named are Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar) and Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang).
Hamzah further claimed that the wide circulation of the statements across print and digital platforms had subjected him to public criticism, hatred and ridicule, while eroding confidence in his leadership among party members and the public.
Redzuan, represented by Messrs Cheah Teh & Su, has previously denied issuing the disputed statement. - Mkini
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