Lokman to apologise in settlement over KJ Covid defamation suit

 

Umno supreme council member Lokman Noor Adam has agreed to publish a public apology to former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

Lokman’s apology, to be published on his Facebook and YouTube accounts, is part of the settlement terms in Khairy’s defamation suit against him over allegations linked to the government’s Covid-19 vaccination efforts in 2021.

The Kuala Lumpur High Court this morning recorded the settlement between both parties, where Lokman (above) also agreed to pay an undisclosed compensation amount to the former Umno member.

In filing the civil action in January 2022, Khairy claimed he was defamed by the social media posts, which included allegations that the plaintiff acted recklessly and/or irresponsibly in the procurement of Covid-19 vaccines for the inoculation programmes in Malaysia.

The “Keluar Sekejap” podcaster also claimed he was defamed by allegations linked to his Covid-19 vaccination status.

The civil action was initially set for full trial this week. However, the trial days have been vacated following the settlement.

Khairy Jamaluddin

Khairy grateful for resolution

During open-court proceedings before judge Johan Lee Kien How, Khairy’s lawyer Abdul Rashid Ismail informed that the plaintiff and defendant had signed the consent judgment.

“The defendant has agreed to delete the seven postings consisting of photos, videos and statements, published on the defendant’s Facebook and YouTube pages.

“The defendant has agreed not to republish or reshare the defamatory statements and to publish an apology on terms agreed upon, on the defendant’s Facebook and YouTube pages, in Bahasa Malaysia and English.

“The defendant has agreed to pay an undisclosed sum as compensation (to the plaintiff),” Rashid said as Lokman’s lawyer Logen Eskander Abdullah was present in court.

Lee then recorded the consent judgment and made no order as to costs. He also conveyed the civil court’s appreciation of efforts by both parties to resolve the matter.

When met by the media after the proceedings, Khairy said he is thankful to the court and all parties over the resolution.

Lokman was not present in court. - Mkini