Umno Youth chief: Retracted statement not defamatory, just a question

 

Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has denied that his statement against former religious affairs minister Mujahid Yusof Rawa- which he retracted in court yesterday - was defamatory.

Instead, he said he merely wanted Mujahid to explain the allegations that Tabung Haji had sold RM2.6 billion in equity.

Responding to comments on Facebook today, Asyraf - who Mujahid sued for defamation - decided to retract his remarks as part of a settlement with the latter as the case had been dragging on for three years.

"The posting (which I retracted)... was not defamatory, but sought an explanation. We both agreed to settle out of court.

"In the spirit of reconciliation during the (Muslim calendar) month of Syawal, we reached an agreement not to drag out this case in court.

"We also agreed that there was no issue of defamation, so it did not arise to issue an apology or pay damages or cost," he said.

Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki with Mujahid Yusof Rawa after reaching a settlement

Asyraf had on Sept 30, 2019, made a Facebook posting asking Mujahid to explain Tabung Haji’s alleged selling of RM2.6 billion equity in Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).

Asyraf, a former deputy religious affairs minister, said in a posting announcing the retraction that Mujahid had explained that no such sale occurred during the latter's time in office and that the matter was considered resolved.

Mujahid, meanwhile, had expressed hope that no one would use Tabung Haji to stir anger, including against Asyraf. - Mkini