Lawyers representing former rural development minister Shafie Apdal have sent a notice of demand to the Star Media Group Bhd on an exclusive report in published on Oct 29, titled “MACC sifting through the flow of RM48 million cash”.
The Warisan Sabah party leader claimed that the article was defamatory.
Sent by the law firm Law Practice of Rafique yesterday, the letter claimed that the report had put Shafie into disrepute while investigations by the MACC were still ongoing.
“The said impugned article as it appears made several disturbing and outright ridiculous and defamatory statements,” said the letter sighted by Malaysiakini.
It said the information contained in the report “is within the domain of the investigation sphere” and could only be revealed in the event Shafie is charged in court.
“It is clear the impugned article is to cast aspersion on Shafie's reputation and good standing, who is not only an MP, but once a senior minister in Najib Abdul Razak's cabinet, and now a leading runner in the forefront of the Sabah political landscape vide the newly formed Parti Warisan Sabah, which day by day is gaining traction,” the letter added.
'Article painted Shafie in bad light'
It further stated that one is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and despite the warning by MACC that it would take any action against those who make statements to the media, The Star had chosen to publish the article quoting sources in the MACC.
The letter said that by publishing the article, The Star and the MACC have derailed or hampered the due process of the law and put Shafie to being ridiculed, incited dissatisfaction (against him) and painted him in a bad light in public.
“Therefore you are demanded to make a public apology to our client on Nov 19, at the front page of the Sunday Star and furnish us the source of your information, failing which legal action would be taken.”
A copy of the letter was sent to the Star Media Group's lawyers from the law firm Shearn Delamore, which acknowledged receipt.
Shafie, who is Semporna MP, was arrested on Oct 19, as part of a purported MACC dragnet in Sabah, in relation to allegations that funds meant for rural development projects were misappropriated between 2009 and 2015.
Besides Shafie, several Umno figures, including Shafie's brother, Lahad Datu assemblyperson Mohammad Yusof Apdal, were also picked up. -Mkini
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