Khairy’s vaccine defamation suit settled, Lokman to apologise

The defamation suit of former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin against Umno supreme council member Datuk Lokman Noor Adam over the Covid-19 vaccine was settled at the High Court here.

Lawyer Abdul Rashid Ismail, who represented Khairy, told the court yesterday that among the terms agreed by both parties (Khairy and Lokman Noor) were that the defendant (Lokman Noor) agreed to delete seven posts containing videos, captions and photos and would post an apology on the defendant’s Facebook account and on Youtube in Malay and English.

“The defendant also agreed to delete the defamatory statement and not to republish or share the defamatory statement and agreed to pay an undisclosed amount as compensation to my client,” said the lawyer in the proceedings before Justice Dr John Lee Kien How @ Mohd John Lee.

Justice Lee then recorded the settlement reached by both parties, Bernama reported.

“The court appreciates the efforts of both parties to resolve the case.

“Thankfully it was resolved. Congratulations and thank you,” said the judge.

Earlier, the court set three days starting yesterday for the trial.

Meanwhile, lawyer Logen Eskander, who represented Lokman Noor, when met by reporters said the apology will be published within 30 days.

Lokman Noor was not present at yesterday’s proceedings.

On Jan 25, 2022, the former Rembau MP, who filed the suit in his personal capacity, claimed that Lokman had defamed him through two videos and uploaded photos on the Lokman Noor Adam Official Facebook page on Jan 6, 2022, making statements through two live broadcasts on Lokman Adam’s Facebook page and on Youtube on Jan 10 of the same year.

Khairy said defamatory statements included an allegation that he had acted recklessly and irresponsibly in the procurement of Covid-19 vaccines for the government’s vaccination programmes, as well as claims linked to his Covid-19 vaccination status.

The plaintiff also claimed that the publication of the defamation caused his reputation and integrity to be severely affected besides reducing the public’s trust and confidence in him either in his personal or professional capacity apart from lowering his reputation in the community.

When met by reporters, Khairy said he was satisfied with the results reached yesterday.

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