March 29 date for Rahman’s suit against Rafizi

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court yesterday set March 29 for case management of a defamation suit brought by Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan against PKR vicepresident Rafizi Ramli.

Rafizi’s counsel, Abdul Halim Abdul Karim, said it would be held before judge Datuk Mohd Zaki Abdul Wahab.

Rahman, who is represented by Datuk M. Reza Hassan, had, on Jan 30, filed the suit against Rafizi over his comments on the implementation of the contract for Ekspo Negaraku 2017.

According to the statement of claim, Rahman alleged that Rafizi had, on Nov 10 last year, posted on his Facebook page that he would hold a press conference to expose the misappropriation of funds by a minister.

The statement further stated that on Dec 11, Rafizi held a press conference at his office in Sungai Besi here, which was broadcast live on his Facebook page.

During the press conference, the defendant was alleged to have published and caused a false statement to be published in bad faith against the plaintiff.

The plaintiff claimed that the statements had meant to imply that he was not honest and corrupt, while also accusing him of being involved in a dubious transaction.

Rahman claimed the statement had affected his reputation and dignity.

He is seeking general damages, aggravated damages and exemplary damages, as well as an injunction to stop Rafizi and his representatives from publishing, producing or printing similar allegations against him.

He also wants Rafizi to apologise to him and publish the said apology in English and Bahasa Malaysia newspapers.