Perlis Mufti Asri Zainul Abidin Files RM10 Million Defamation Lawsuit
Background
Perlis Mufti Asri Zainul Abidin, popularly known as Dr Maza, has filed a RM10 million lawsuit against Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) for alleged defamation.
The Lawsuit
Asri filed the suit at the Shah Alam High Court on October 1 through legal firm Tetuan Faizal Rahman & Co, naming GISBH and its deputy director of administration, Mokhtar Tajuddin, as the first and second defendants.
Allegations of Defamation
In the statement of claim, Asri alleged that GISBH published defamatory statements against him through a post on its official Facebook page, accompanied by a poster. He also claimed that a press conference held on August 29 implied that he had defamed GISBH, disseminated false statements, and created a negative perception of the company.
Notice of Demand
Asri said GISBH had issued him a notice of demand on August 24, requiring him to issue an apology within seven days to clear GISBH’s name, which he contended also carried defamatory implications. He claimed the notice suggested that he had accused GISBH without proper investigation and made baseless claims.
Intent to Damage Reputation
Asri contended that the posts were published with the intent to damage his reputation and create a negative public perception of him. He said the defamatory posts humiliated him and tarnished his dignity and image as a mufti, academic, and preacher.
Damages and Relief
Asri is seeking aggravated and exemplary damages amounting to RM10 million, along with general damages, costs, interest, and other relief deemed fit by the court. He also demands that the defendants draft an apology within 14 days of the court’s judgment – if it rules in his favour – and publish it in newspapers, including Utusan Malaysia, Sinar Harian, Berita Harian, and New Straits Times, and on their Facebook page.
Additional Demands
Asri also wants the defendants to delete all defamatory statements from their websites and social media platforms, and cease publishing any further defamatory statements directly or indirectly.
Separate Lawsuit
On October 10, Asri filed a separate defamation lawsuit against a Facebook account owner for allegedly publishing defamatory statements linking him to GISBH.
Conclusion
Perlis Mufti Asri Zainul Abidin’s RM10 million defamation lawsuit against GISBH highlights the importance of protecting one’s reputation and image in the digital age. The lawsuit seeks to hold GISBH accountable for allegedly publishing defamatory statements against Asri and to restore his dignity and reputation.
FAQs
Q: What is the amount of damages being sought by Asri in the lawsuit?
A: RM10 million
Q: Who are the defendants in the lawsuit?
A: Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) and its deputy director of administration, Mokhtar Tajuddin
Q: What is the alleged defamatory content that led to the lawsuit?
A: A post on GISBH’s official Facebook page, accompanied by a poster, and a press conference held on August 29.