KEDAH Menteri Besar (MB) Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has responded to a defamation lawsuit filed against him by his Selangor counterpart Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
Sanusi claimed that his statements made during a Perikatan Nasional (PN) ceramah in Jitra, Kedah, on Aug 2 were part of a verbal exchange he had with Amirudin during the state election campaign period.
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 specifically referred to his remarks about the Selangor Maritime Gateway project, which involves the widening and deepening of the Klang River from Mid Valley City in Kuala Lumpur to Port Klang.
Moreover, the Selangor MB initiated the lawsuit after Sanusi allegedly accused him of abusing his powers by colluding with tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan, resulting in the transfer of a 600-acre plot of land worth RM10 bil to Berjaya Land. He also claimed that the Selangor government incurred a RM180 mil loss due to this transaction.
Furthermore, Amirudin is seeking general, aggravated and exemplary damages from Sanusi.
In Sanusi’s defence, he argued that politicians often engage in a “war of words,” justifying his remarks as a response to Amirudin’s statements.
He also denied tarnishing Amirudin’s reputation and emphasised that Amirudin was re-elected as an assemblyman and reappointed as menteri besar, without facing any legal charges related to his statements.
The High Court has scheduled the case management for Oct 24, when further legal proceedings are expected to take place. – Oct 13, 2023
Main photo credit: Malaysiakini
