In a surprising development, Shahrizat Abdul Jalil has withdrawn her RM100 million defamation suit against PKR’s Rafizi Ramli and Zuraida Kamaruddin, without attaching any conditions.
The Wanita Umno head and a former federal minister had sued the duo over their claims in relation to the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC), which is operated by her husband and children.
Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Justice Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera allowed the suit to be withdrawn after meeting lawyers for both parties in chambers.
The Wanita Umno head and a former federal minister had sued the duo over their claims in relation to the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC), which is operated by her husband and children.Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Justice Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera allowed the suit to be withdrawn after meeting lawyers for both parties in chambers.
Shahrizat was not present, but Rafizi and Zuraida were in court.
'It does not mean an end to NFC issue'
Outside the courtroom, Rafizi said the move does not mean an end to the NFC issue, saying he was determined to continue investigating the matter.
"Shahrizat's decision to withdraw the case today proves that what we have revealed has basis and relates to public interest," he said.
On the counter-claim by both he and Zuraida against Sharizat, Rafizi said they decided not to pursue the case as well on grounds that it had little relation with public interest.
Stating an example, Rafizi said Sharizat had previously called him a 'jambu boy' (pretty boy), which he opined did not affect the public but himself only.
Meanwhile, Zuraida said she believed Sharizat decided to withdraw the suit only after her triumph in defending her Wanita Umno post last month and her earlier appointment as Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s adviser on women’s affairs.
She would continue to highlight this case, Zuraida said, especially in Parliament, to ensure the revival of NFC project.
"We want to make sure the public money is returned back to the people," she added.
Senior lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said they have settled the matter over the statement of claim by Shahrizat, and the counter-claims of Rafizi and Zuraida.
"Both sides have got serious claims. But today, what they have decided is for both sides to withdraw their claim claims."
"When my client filed it she knew that the statements were made because the election was near.
"She thought the statements were made to influence the results of the election. That is why she had to file it as quickly as possible.
"Now that the election is over, there is no point in pursuing the matter further. I think it is wiser for them to withdraw their cases without costs," said Shafee.
There is no winner or loser in the case.
'It does not mean an end to NFC issue'
Outside the courtroom, Rafizi said the move does not mean an end to the NFC issue, saying he was determined to continue investigating the matter.
"Shahrizat's decision to withdraw the case today proves that what we have revealed has basis and relates to public interest," he said.
On the counter-claim by both he and Zuraida against Sharizat, Rafizi said they decided not to pursue the case as well on grounds that it had little relation with public interest.
Stating an example, Rafizi said Sharizat had previously called him a 'jambu boy' (pretty boy), which he opined did not affect the public but himself only.
Meanwhile, Zuraida said she believed Sharizat decided to withdraw the suit only after her triumph in defending her Wanita Umno post last month and her earlier appointment as Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s adviser on women’s affairs.
She would continue to highlight this case, Zuraida said, especially in Parliament, to ensure the revival of NFC project.
"We want to make sure the public money is returned back to the people," she added.
Senior lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said they have settled the matter over the statement of claim by Shahrizat, and the counter-claims of Rafizi and Zuraida."Both sides have got serious claims. But today, what they have decided is for both sides to withdraw their claim claims."
"When my client filed it she knew that the statements were made because the election was near.
"She thought the statements were made to influence the results of the election. That is why she had to file it as quickly as possible.
"Now that the election is over, there is no point in pursuing the matter further. I think it is wiser for them to withdraw their cases without costs," said Shafee.
There is no winner or loser in the case.
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