Minister: Retract statements or I’ll sue

KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Senator P. Waytha Moorthy yesterday issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Pasir Salak member of parliament Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman and Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali for them to retract their recent statements, or face legal action.

Waytha Moorthy said over the past three days, Tajuddin and Ibrahim had issued false and defamatory statements about him, insinuating that he had insulted Malays and Muslims in the country.

“These allegations and hate speeches by the two leaders, in my view, are to inflame the people to attend the anti-ICERD (International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination) rally, organised by Pas and Umno, this Saturday.

“I have been targeted since I answered a parliamentary question on ICERD a month ago, and the allegations and accusations against me are blatant lies spewed by people with ulterior motives.

“(Therefore), I am giving these two leaders 24 hours to retract their statements in the media or risk facing a defamation suit.

“I have resorted to this as I feel this is the best avenue for me to clear my name,” he said.

Waytha Moorthy said statements made by Tajuddin and Ibrahim were not helping to unite the nation.

He said their statements had no place in a multiracial, multireligious and multicultural nation like Malaysia.