Rahman Dahlan looks to settle defamation suit against Rafizi

Former minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan is looking into the possibility of settling the defamation suit he filed against PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli.

Rahman's lawyer Umi Farhanah Mohd Nasir disclosed this following case management today, adding that if the parties failed to reach a settlement, the three-day hearing scheduled to begin on Sept 3 will proceed.

The case management took place before Kuala Lumpur High Court deputy registrar Norfauzani Nordin, with Rafizi being represented by Abdul Halim Abdul Karim.

Rahman, a former minister in the Prime Minister's Department, had sued Rafizi over a nepotism claim. 

Rafizi had alleged that Rahman, who helmed the Economic Planning Unit then, had awarded the RM37 million project to the latter's 'brother' – due to the project contractor Raslan Dahlan's name being similar to Rahman's.

After Rahman' pointed out the inaccuracy, Rafizi openly apologised to the contractor. 

In his suit, Rahman is seeking an injunction from the court against Rafizi from repeating the allegations, as well as a published apology. He is also seeking general, aggravated and exemplary damages, besides costs. 

Meanwhile, at the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate's Court, magistrate Umzarul An-Nur Umar fixed Sept 25 to deliver her decision on whether to order Rafizi to enter defence for a criminal defamation against Tabung Haji.

Rafizi was charged over a 2016 Facebook posting titled "Analisa Kewangan Tabung Haji 2009-2015" (An analysis of Tabung Haji's finances 2009-2015).

If convicted, he faces two years' jail, a fine, or both. - Mkini