Saifuddin to Appeal RM670,000 Defamation Ruling in Sanusi Case

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail will appeal the Alor Setar High Court’s ruling ordering him to pay RM670,000 in damages and costs to Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor over defamatory remarks.

On Aug 23, the court found Saifuddin had defamed Sanusi by linking him to the theft of rare earth elements (REE) in Bukit Enggang, Sik, and the alleged misuse of RM1.6 billion from the Malaysian Road Records Information System (MARRIS). Judge John Lee ruled that Saifuddin’s use of the term “thief” implied criminal conduct, seriously damaging Sanusi’s reputation.

Defamation Ruling

Saifuddin was ordered to pay RM600,000 in general damages and RM70,000 in legal costs, issue a public apology in Malay and English newspapers within 14 days (subject to Sanusi’s approval), and is barred from repeating the claims.

Saifuddin, however, insists his statements were made in the public interest and vows to pursue the matter in the Court of Appeal.

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