KUALA LUMPUR – The High Court has ruled in favour of former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, ordering preacher Rasyiq Alwi to pay a total of RM2.5 million in damages over defamatory statements concerning Khairy’s Covid-19 vaccination status.
Khairy filed a lawsuit against Rasyiq in 2022 after the preacher publicly accused him of “lying” about his vaccination status while the country was battling the pandemic. Justice Raja Ahmad Mohzanuddin Shah Raja Mohzan found the statements to be baseless, malicious, and damaging to Khairy’s reputation as well as to the nation’s public health efforts.
The court awarded RM2 million in general damages, RM250,000 in aggravated damages, and RM250,000 in exemplary damages to Khairy.
In his judgment, Justice Raja Mohzanuddin stated, “The defendant’s actions were not only defamatory but also irresponsible. His statements undermined public trust in the government’s vaccination programme and demoralised frontliners.”
He also criticised Rasyiq’s conduct during the proceedings, highlighting attempts to delay the trial by filing a last-minute application to reopen the case.
“The court will not tolerate attempts to sabotage the judicial process,” he emphasised.
The trial proceeded without Rasyiq’s presence, despite Khairy’s legal team notifying him of the hearing dates.
Khairy, speaking to reporters after the verdict, said the decision was “not just a personal victory, but a victory for every frontliner who sacrificed during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
He stressed that defamatory remarks made during a national crisis must be met with strict legal consequences.
“When individuals spread lies that can harm national efforts and the morale of the people, the law must act. This ruling sends a strong message,” said Khairy.
His lawyer, Abdul Rashid Ismail, confirmed that steps would be taken immediately to enforce the judgment.
This case is expected to set a benchmark in the fight against misinformation, especially during public health emergencies.