The Pahang government has demanded an apology and RM1 million in compensation from an environmental activist for alleged defamation over comments made on the state's involvement in logging activities.
In a letter of demand, sighted by Malaysiakini, it claimed that the statements made by Shariffa Sabrina Syed Akil (above) have given the impression that the state government was irresponsible and lacked integrity.
“It is clear that the defamatory statements (made by Shariffa) are false and unfounded. As a result of those published statements, our client (the Pahang government) has received negative reactions from the public, at the same time ruining the reputation and smearing the good name of our client.
“In addition, the irresponsible behaviour (of Shariffa) with the statements she has caused prejudiced (against) our client whereby the public thinks our client is a government that lies, has no integrity and is irresponsible,” read the letter of demand prepared by law firm Hidayah Ishak & Partners.
The allegedly defamatory statements were made in two Facebook posts on Shariffa’s personal account dated Dec 29 and 30, 2021 as well as during an interview with Sinar Harian on Jan 12 this year.
The Pahang government demanded Shariffa to issue an open, unconditional apology on social media platforms with the condition that it needed to be pre-approved and posted on her social media forever.
They also demanded RM 1 million or equivalent compensation for affecting the image and the name of the state government.
Shariffa, who is Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia (Peka) president, was given 14 days upon receiving the letter to comply with their demands, or the state government will file their claims in court.
Outrageous demands
When contacted by Malaysiakini, Shariffa said she was shocked at the demands made by the Pahang government, calling them “outrageous”.
“How can they demand an apology from me merely for raising issues of concern?
“The environment and indiscriminate logging are issues that plague our country. The state government should in fact be working together with me and other stakeholders or activists in attempting to defend our jungles and natural resources.
“The state government’s action in demanding an apology from me is disappointing and unacceptable in a modern-day democracy,” she said, adding that this was not her first time encountering intimidation tactics.
Shariffa said the act of the state government affects the freedom of speech of activists defending the environment and those wanting to speak up on issues surrounding the abuse of natural resources.
“This kind of tactic to create fear of legal action could tarnish the reputation of the country locally and abroad. The environmental activists in this country should not fear to continue fighting for nature.
“The actions taken by the state government of just goes further to show that they are against freedom of speech, incompetent to address the allegations thrown at them without improving their shortcomings in protecting nature,” she said.
The activist said her lawyers are looking into the matter to determine her next course of action. - Mkini
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