Azam files RM10 million defamation suit against accuser

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Azam Baki has filed a RM10 million defamation suit against an activist and is seeking a public apology over the publication of articles regarding the purchase of company shares last year.

The suit was filed at the Kuala Lumpur High Court against Lalitha Kunaratnam following her lack of response to a letter of demand issued on Jan 6.

“Instead of responding to our client’s letter of demand issued on Jan 6, she has through her lawyer issued a press statement published on her Twitter account, wherein she has claimed to stand by her publication and republication, the contents of which our client strenuously maintains are defamatory.

“Our client is therefore constrained to file this suit before the expiry of 14 days from the date of the letter of demand to protect his good name, reputation and professional standing,” his lawyers said in a statement.

Azam had come under fire from Pakatan Harapan politicians over the articles published in December last year in which Lalitha, who is linked to local NGO C4 Center, claimed conflict of interest in the ownership of company shares.

His letter of demand last week came as MACC lodged a police report against her, describing her claims as false and unsubstantiated by evidence.

He is seeking through the suit an injunction against Lalitha and/or her family members or agents preventing her from making, publishing or causing to be published the statements in question.

He is also seeking a court order for her to take down the statements and articles within three days of the date of judgment, and a public apology.