After Najib not cited for contempt, Mukhriz aims for Aziz

Bersatu deputy president Mukhriz Mahathir is bidding to have Deputy Transport Minister Abdul Aziz Kaprawi cited for contempt for commenting on his ongoing defamation suit against an aide of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Mukhriz’s lawyer, Mohd Haniff Khatri Abdulla, told the Kuala Lumpur High Court today that Aziz made his comments on the suit against Tengku Sarifuddin Tengku Ahmad on July 13 and 14 last year – two days after the trial had commenced.

Aziz had said it was clear from the testimony of Mukhriz (photo) that the Bersatu leader had conspired with party president Muhyiddin Yassin and chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad to topple the prime minister.

Haniff contrasted his application before Justice Ahmad Zaidee Ibrahim today, with the last week’s failed bid to have Najib cited for contempt.

Najib's comments had been published six days before the court heard Mukhriz's defamation suit, unlike those from Aziz, which were published in Sinar Harian while the trial was ongoing.

"If the High Court and Court of Appeal are right to not cite Najib for contempt, then Aziz's case, although slightly different, can be deemed much worse, as his comments were made when the trial was ongoing…” the lawyer said.

Haniff also quoted in full the last paragraph of Aziz's statement, which states that the three leaders (Mukhriz, Muhyiddin and Mahathir) are not out to “Save Malaysia,” but to “seize political power mandated by the people of Malaysia.”

Calling the paragraph the “final nail in the coffin,” the lawyer said that the court should seriously consider granting leave for Aziz to be cited with contempt, as the deputy minister was violating the administration of justice by forming an opinion before the court does.

"This is truly sub judice of him in making such a statement," he said.

Tengku Sarifuddin, the prime minister’s press secretary, is being sued over a series of statements suggesting that Mukhriz was conspiring with his father Maahthir and Muhyiddin to topple Najib.

Meanwhile, Aziz's lawyer K Kirubakaran said that his client was making a public statement, which is considered part of political dialogue.

Furthermore, Kirubakaran argued that his client’s views would not sway the court and influence its decision, as the judge was independent.

Ahmad Zaidee fixed March 15 to deliver his decision, while Mukhriz’s trial continues on Friday.- Mkini