Khairy-Lokman defamation suit settled

KUALA LUMPUR: A defamation suit by former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin against Umno supreme council member Datuk Lokman Noor Adam over Covid-19 vaccines was settled at the High Court yesterday.

Lawyer Abdul Rashid Ismail, representing Khairy, told the court that among the terms agreed on by both parties were the defendant would delete seven posts containing videos, captions and photos and post an apology on Facebook and YouTube in Malay and English.

“The defendant also agreed to delete the defamatory statement, to not republish or share it and to pay an undisclosed amount as compensation to my client.”

Judge Dr John Lee Kien How recorded the settlement reached by both parties.

“The court appreciates the efforts of both parties to resolve the case. Thankfully, it is resolved. Congratulations and thank you,” he said.

The court had previously set three days from yesterday for the trial.

Lawyer Logen Eskander, representing Lokman, said the apology will be published within 30 days. Lokman was not present at the proceedings.

On Jan 25, 2022, the former MP for Rembau filed the suit in his personal capacity and claimed Lokman had defamed him through two videos. He uploaded photos on the Lokman Noor Adam Official Facebook page on Jan 6 and made statements through two live streams on Lokman’s Facebook page and YouTube on Jan 10.

Khairy said the defamatory statements included claims about his Covid-19 vaccination status and an allegation that he had acted recklessly and irresponsibly in the procurement of vaccines for government vaccination programmes.

The plaintiff claimed the publication of the statements lowered his reputation in the community and reduced the public’s trust and confidence in him in a personal and professional capacity.

When met by reporters, Khairy said he was satisfied with the outcome.

“I am grateful to the judge and satisfied because he (Lokman) wants to apologise and will pay as agreed.”