Amirudin defamed me first, Sanusi says in defence to suit

 

Amirudin Shari (left) is suing Sanusi Nor for remarks made at a political ceramah in Jitra, Kedah, on Aug 2.

SHAH ALAM: Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Nor has claimed that statements he made during a Perikatan Nasional election ceramah in Jitra, Kedah, on Aug 2 were merely part of a “war of words” he had with Selangor counterpart Amirudin Shari.

In a defence statement filed in response to a suit brought by Amirudin, Sanusi also claimed he was responding to the Selangor menteri besar’s own defamatory statements about him.

He said that in the run-up to the six state elections in August, Amirudin had made several derogatory remarks about him, calling him “rude” and a “coward”.

“Since the plaintiff (Amirudin) made defamatory statements and accusations against the defendant (Sanusi), the defendant has no choice but to defend himself by raising governance-related issues, which are a concern among the public, regarding the plaintiff’s administration.

“The issues that the defendant raised were of public interest and based on facts,” Sanusi said, referring to statements he made regarding the Selangor Maritime Gateway project.

The project involves the widening and deepening of the Klang River from Mid Valley City in Kuala Lumpur to Port Klang.

Amirudin filed the lawsuit on Aug 30 after Sanusi allegedly said the Selangor menteri besar had abused his powers by “colluding” with tycoon Vincent Tan to cause the transfer of a 600-acre plot of land worth RM10 billion to Berjaya Land.

Sanusi also claimed that the Selangor government incurred a RM180 million loss as a result.

Amirudin is seeking general, aggravated, and exemplary damages from Sanusi.

In his defence, Sanusi also alleged that Amirudin had filed the suit in “an attempt to cover up (his own) defamatory statements”.

He said it was common for politicians to be engaged in a “war of words”, and that his remarks were justified.

He also denied that Amirudin’s reputation was tarnished by the remarks.

“The plaintiff was re-elected as an assemblyman and reappointed as menteri besar. He was never arrested or charged in court due to the defendant’s statements,” he said.

The High Court has fixed Oct 24 for case management. - FMT