Defamation suit settled, Zuraida apologises to Saifuddin Nasution

KUALA LUMPUR: The defamation suit filed by Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail against Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin was settled when the former PKR vice-president made a public apology to the Home Minister at the Sessions Court here Tuesday (Nov 14).

Zuraida, 65, when reading the apology before Judge Norakhmar Mohd Sani, said she had made a defamatory statement against the Pakatan Harapan secretary-general in her speech during a dinner event at the Renaissance Hotel here on Dec 8, 2019.

“With regard to the defamation suit filed by Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution, both parties have agreed to settle the matter with an open apology in this court.

“Therefore, I hereby retract the defamatory statement made and apologise to Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution,” said Zuraida.

The court then recorded the settlement reached by both parties and cleared the trial dates that has been set for three days starting today.

Earlier, lawyer Navpreet Singh representing Saifuddin Nasution as the plaintiff and whose absence was excused today, said that the plaintiff and the defendant (Zuraida) have reached a settlement through a consent judgment and the terms of the agreement are to be recorded today.

According to Navpreet, the plaintiff has withdrawn the writ as well as statement of claim and the defendant has withdrawn the statement of defence.

“In addition, the defendant retracts the defamatory statement and agrees to make a verbal apology in court today.

“Both parties agree that this judgment is a full and final settlement, and this lawsuit is dismissed, and the plaintiff and defendant have no freedom to file again,” said the lawyer, adding that there were no orders for costs.

Counsel Nizamuddin Hamid representing Zuraida, confirmed the matter.

Zuraida, when met by reporters said she was grateful that the case was resolved amicably.

Saifuddin Nasution, 58, filed the lawsuit on July 21, 2020, claiming that the dinner themed Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 took place on the last day of PKR 14th National Congress in Melaka.

He claimed that the defamatory statement implied that he (Saifuddin Nasution) engaged in fraud and corruption because he received millions in bribes to join PAS or PKR or to hold a position in the public sector.

Saifuddin Nasution claimed that the former housing and local government minister had malicious intent to tarnish his credibility and image as a politician, public servant in the eyes of the general public, PKR members and Pakatan supporters. – Bernama