Federal Territories Minister Khalid Samad today settled the defamation suit he filed against Berita Harian and New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd on a news report.
The report was on the stand of Khalid and Parti Amanah Negara on the proposed amendment to the federal Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act (Act 355).
The settlement was recorded by High Court judicial commissioner Aliza Sulaiman, where the terms include NSTP having to pay RM60,000 in damages within 30 days and that Berita Harian gives Khalid an interview on the issue.
"It's been settled with the terms mentioned," said Khalid’s lawyer Faiz Fadzil, who is also Permatang Pasir assemblyperson.
Khalid said he is thankful for the settlement and said Amanah and himself have their own stand on Act 355, which is not similar to the stand taken by DAP.
"I did not object to the motion to table the Act as I wanted it to be debated. However, the way it was reported is as if Amanah is with DAP and this is a political spin.
"Although we are part of a coalition, we have different stands on the issue and the publication has affected the standings of me and Amanah.
"I urge that in this new environment, the media reports things fairly and responsibly. They should report the truth and not sensationalise the issue with a spin as it is not responsible to do so. You should give me an opportunity to tell my side of the story," he added.
Khalid named former Berita Harian group editor Mahfar Ali, journalists Hazwan Faisal Mohamad and Rohaniza Idris, as well as NSTP as defendants in the suit he filed last year.
Prior to the settlement recorded today, the hearing of the case had been initially fixed last week before being vacated to work on a settlement.
Khalid filed the suit in February last year alleging that there was malice in the Berita Harian report, as he is the Amanah communications director.
In his statement of claim, Khalid said the article, in its natural and ordinary meaning and by innuendo, gave the impression that he strongly objected the tabling of the law, he was in unison with DAP on going against the law and that he was insincere, irresponsible and corrupt.
He further stated that the words indicated that he was a leader who failed to uplift Islam.
Khalid claimed that the paper did not practise responsible journalism and caused him to be ridiculed and subjected to public odium.
The Shah Alam MP said he had sent a letter of demand to the paper on May 27, 2016, seeking an unconditional apology but there was no response.
He had sought for general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as an apology from the defendants.
In its defence dated March 24 last year, the paper denied there was malice in its report and claimed that the report was based on actual proceedings in the Dewan Rakyat.
NSTP claimed that as a media organisation, it was its social duty to report what had happened, in the interest of the public.
They raised the defence of qualified privilege.
NSTP was represented by lawyer M Reza Hassan. - Mkini
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