‘Dzulkifli can sue for defamation’
KUALA LUMPUR: The accusation that former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Dzulkifli Ahmad was a traitor to the country was done in a hurry, without a chance for him to defend himself.
National Professors Council Politics, Security and International Affairs Cluster secretary Professor Datuk Dr Abdul Halim Sidek said the rushed statement, without being supported by solid facts, was likely defamatory.
“The suit can be filed against individuals who cast such statements under the Sedition Act 1957,” he said yesterday.
He was commenting on the statement by new MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull against Dzulkifli. Shukri alleged that Dzulkifli had a motive to protect the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal.
Halim said Shukri should produce evidence and clarification to support such a statement.
“This is a civil case. So the action of ‘quoting ’ the name, as done by Shukri, is wrong.
“The statement is made in public, so he has to show facts why he (Dzulkifli) deserves to be called (traitor),” he said, adding that it was too early to jump the gun following the SRC International Sdn Bhd case being reopened.
Halim said Dzulkifli was entitled to file a suit as the “traitor” label could affect his image and social standing.
Lawyer and activist Azhar Harun said being labelled a “traitor” was grounds for action if a person thought he was a victim of defamation.
“If he (Dzulkifli) thinks it is defamatory, he should sue the MACC chief commissioner or make a police report.”
Lawyer Latheefa Koya urged Dzulkifli to defend himself if the statement made against him was not true.
Meanwhile, Shukri has been told to lodge a police report if he had been threatened while probing the 1MDB scandal.
Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said a report would allow police to investigate the matter and take action against the culprits.