Rafizi told to file defence in defamation suit by PAS deputy president

The High Court today ordered Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli to file his defence against a defamation suit brought by former environment and water minister Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man by Dec 28 at the latest. 

Tuan Ibrahim filed the suit against Rafizi on Nov 17 for allegedly defaming him regarding the approval of several projects to a company, including on flood mitigation.

Lawyer Yusfarizal Yussoff, representing Tuan Ibrahim, said the court also ordered his client to file his reply to the defence statement by Jan 11.

"If there’s an interlocutory application, both parties are required to file the application before case management on Jan 25, 2023," he said when contacted after today’s case management conducted online before deputy registrar Idamasliza Maarof.
 
In his statement of claim, Tuan Ibrahim accused Rafizi of making defamatory statements against him at two press conferences at the PKR headquarters in Petaling Jaya, which were streamed live on the defendant’s YouTube account, on Nov 7 and 9, 2022.

The PAS deputy president claimed the statements implied that during the time of the caretaker government, discussions and efforts involving the plaintiff were actively conducted to approve projects worth RM2 billion to Mangkubumi Sdn Bhd through direct negotiations for the Sungai Langat flood mitigation project.

Tuan Ibrahim is seeking an injunction to restrain the defendant, his agents or assistants from broadcasting and publishing any similar statements and videos, whether directly or indirectly.

He is also claiming general, exemplary and aggravated damages.