Umno supreme council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi's Facebook post alleging double standards in Covid-19 procedures has earned him a letter of demand from Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, according to a report.
Financial daily The Edge reported that lawyers representing Muhyiddin, from the firm Rosli Dahlan Saravana Partnership, sent a letter of demand to Puad's Putrajaya address today, citing his Facebook post titled “Kuarantin pun ada dua darjat” (Even quarantine has two classes) which was deemed defamatory.
Citing the letter of demand's content, The Edge reported that Puad's post contained an untrue, unwarranted, unsubstantiated and mischievous statement on Muhyiddin.
Referring to the prime minister's recent official visit to Jakarta, the letter of demand reportedly stated that Puad's post implied Muhyiddin had refused to self-quarantine for 10 days and led to Health Minister Dr Adham Baba's new order.
The new order issued via a federal gazette stated that ministers who return from official visits abroad are subject to only three days of quarantine under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Disease Act 1988.
Further, the letter of demand reportedly stated the post meant that Muhyiddin had abused his power as the PM to obtain preferential treatment under the Act or under the movement control order.
"It further caused our client to be brought to public scandal, odium, contempt, and disrepute and significantly prejudiced him," according to The Edge, quoting the letter.
Responding to Puad's claims, the Prime Minister’s Office had on Feb 9 issued a statement to clarify Muhyiddin was given an observation and home surveillance order.
Similarly, The Edge reported it was stated in the letter of demand that the defamatory statements constitute grave libel and are completely untrue.
Puad was reportedly given seven days to remove the posting, provide an unequivocal public apology on Facebook, news portals and social media, as well as provide a written undertaking to cease and not repeat such publication of the same nature and pay compensation of RM10 million.
The letter of demand also threatened Puad with up to two years jail term and fine for criminal defamation under Section 500 of the Penal Code.
When contacted, Puad declined comments or to acknowledge receiving the letter of demand. - Mkini
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