Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak has filed a defamation suit against former attorney-general Tommy Thomas and a company that published the latter's book.
In his statement of claim, Najib told the court that Thomas has suggested in the book 'My Story: Justice in the Wilderness', that he directly associated himself with Azilah Hadri and Sirul Azhar Umar in the murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu.
Najib argued that Thomas had, through the book, insinuated that the former was guilty of conspiracy to murder Altantuya, allegedly misled the rakyat over the episode and was therefore unfit to hold political or any office.
He also argued that Thomas had written in his book that the former had an agenda to murder Altantuya and had allegedly illegally influenced Sirul while the latter was in detention in Australia.
These words, among others, were written in malice, argued Najib, to sow doubts and distrust.
"The first defendant has written Chapter 42 in an inflammatory, reckless, sensational and defamatory manner which, in itself, was made without any factual basis nor source(s) revealed," argued Najib.
In addition, Najib accused Thomas of being behind a conspiracy to incarcerate the former.
Najib argued that Thomas was partisan and was favoured by Pakatan Harapan figures Lim Guan Eng, Lim Kit Siang and Anwar Ibrahim, while displaying a distinct bias against Umno and BN while acting as attorney-general.
"As such, the first defendant had abused his position as the attorney-general to rake and make up 'evidence' against the plaintiff over the murder of Altantuya.
"The whole motive of the first defendant was to unlawfully bring about a charge of murder against the plaintiff, as such a charge would almost definitely come about without a bail being offered to any accused," he said.
In view of this, Najib is claiming unspecified damages at an interest rate of five percent per annum from the filing of the suit and an apology.
He is also seeking the removal of libellous words and passages from the book, as well as a permanent injunction against either Thomas or publisher Gerak Budaya from further publishing similar statements.
Najib is represented by Messr Shafee and Co.
This is Najib's second suit against Thomas. Yesterday, Najib filed a suit against Thomas for wrongful prosecution. - Mkini
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