KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court here today ordered Malay rights group leader Azwanddin Hamzah to respond to the suit against him by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department P Waytha Moorthy.
The Jaringan Melayu Malaysia (JMM) president was alleged to have used a derogatory word against Indians on Waytha during a gathering for late fireman Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim on Dec 26 last year.
Lawyer Annou Xavier, representing the minister, said the High Court registrar made the order in chambers today.
“He (Azwanddin) has to submit his statement of defence before March 26,” he added.
he case will be mentioned before judicial commissioner Rohani Ismail on April 16.
In his suit, Waytha, who is in charge of national unity, claimed Azwanddin had used the term and made direct references to his name.
He accused Azwanddin of using the word against him three times during the event.
He added that this was meant to humiliate, insult and instigate public hatred against him.
He also said the law firm representing him, Azri Lee Swee Seng & Co, had sent a letter of demand to Azwanddin on Jan 8, telling the JMM leader to apologise within a week.
“However, he refused to do so,” Waytha said.
Waytha is seeking an unspecified amount in damages from Azwanddin, and an injunction to stop the Malay leader from repeating the statements.
This is the second suit against the JMM president brought by a Pakatan Harapan leader.
In January, Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok filed a suit against him for claiming she had a personal interest in the land dispute involving the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple. - FMT
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