Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s former political-secretary has gone to court over alleged defamation by Chegubard and Afif Bahardin, seeking RM1 million in compensation from each Bersatu leader.
When reached out by Malaysiakini, Farhash Wafa Salvador’s lawyer Weera Premananda confirmed that the former Perak PKR chief filed the writ of summons against Chegubard - whose real name is Badrul Hisham Shaharin - and Afif at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Jan 22.
According to copies of the statement of claim, Farhash (above) is suing Badrul in relation to a press conference on Nov 24 last year, while the plaintiff’s action against Afif was over a public statement on Nov 15 last year.
The plaintiff claimed that Badrul made a slanderous and false statement that purportedly said the former was appointed to head the Malaysian External Intelligence Organisation and posed a security risk to Malaysia and its people.
Farhash claimed that the Bersatu information committee member’s statement had also implied that the plaintiff was a jambu air, a denoting a person who is a pondan and/or homosexual.
In relation to the suit against Afif, Farhash claimed that the Bersatu supreme council member made a slanderous and untrue statement that the plaintiff would abuse power if given a government post.
The plaintiff also alleged that Afif’s statement implied that the former posed a risk to Malaysia’s stability and security.
Through the two defamation actions, Farhash seeks both opposition politicians to each pay him RM1 million in special damages, as well as unspecified general, aggravated, exemplary and/or punitive damages.
Farhash also seeks court orders for Chegubard and Afif to retract the allegedly defamatory statements, make an unqualified public apology, and prevent the duo from further repeating the said statements.
When contacted by Malaysiakini, counsel Hasshari Johari Mawi confirmed that his client Afif had entered an appearance against the lawsuit at the civil court three days ago.
Hasshahari added that the court has set March 25 for further case management of the matter.
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