Ex-Felda chief puzzled by Synergy Promenade’s RM100m suit against him
KUALA LUMPUR: “I am puzzled as to why Synergy Promenade Sdn Bhd is slapping me with a RM100 million defamation suit,” said Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad.
Shahrir, who is former chairman of Federal Land Development Authority, in a press conference yesterday, said: “After the general elections, I was thinking of retiring, but with this defamatory suit levelled against me, I have to respond appropriately.”
“I am puzzled by this legal action against me. The memorandum of understanding between Felda and Synergy Promenade to resolve any dissatisfaction is still in effect and will only expire on June 14.
“This is unprecedented as never before has any former chairman of a government agency been sued for defamation,” Shahrir said.
Yesterday, Synergy Promenade filed a RM100 million defamatory suit at the Kuala Lumpur High Court.
Synergy Promenade, the property developer of Kuala Lumpur Vertical City (KLVC) in Jalan Semarak, claimed Shahrir had made misleading statements about it between December last year and March.
It was reported that Synergy Promenade alleged Shahrir made defamatory statements and these were published on news and social media outlets.
It had demanded Shahrir publish an apology in five national newspapers.
Besides seeking RM100 million in damages, Synergy Promenade is also seeking general damages, interest, cost and other appropriate relief.
When pressed further on the motive of Synergy Promenade director Datuk Marina Hashim, who held a press conference at the KL High Court after filing the suit, Shahrir shrugged his shoulders and said: “This is the New Malaysia. Maybe that is why I am being sued.”
“I don’t think I have any reason to apologise as I have spoken the truth and my comments are fair,” Shahrir said.
He said his statements on Synergy Promenade concerning the KLVC project were approved by Felda’s board.
“We observed due process in consulting Felda board of directors, the Prime Minister’s Department and the AttorneyGeneral,” he said.
“I assure you the statements I made on Synergy Promenade and KLVC were in line with Felda board’s decision.”
Following Felda board approval and that of other authorities, Felda director-general Datuk Abdul Ghani Mohd Ali lodged a police report on Dec 26 last year and placed the land parcels under the registrar’s caveat.
Asked if Shahrir might counter-sue the firm for undue duress, he said: “My lawyer has advised me. I can only decide on my next course of action after Synergy Promenade’s writ is sealed by the Kuala Lumpur High Court and sent to Felda.”