KUALA LUMPUR: Businessman J. Deepak Jaikishan's libel suit against former Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister Tan Sri Sabbaruddin Chik will go for trial on Dec 7, following a breakdown in settlement talks.
This was confirmed by Sabbaruddin's counsel Adnan Seman@Abdullah after case management in High Court judge Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera's chambers this afternoon.
Previously on Monday (Nov 23), Deepak was reported to be willing to meet Sabbaruddin to settle the suit over allegations contained in the book "Membongkar Skandal Deepak dan Bank Rakyat, Dari Isi Hati Tan Sri Sabbaruddin Chik" (Exposing the Scandal of Deepak & Bank Rakyat – from the heart of Tan Sri Sabbaruddin Chik).
Deepak's proposed settlement talks was also with co-defendant Shahbudin Husin, who wrote the book which contained statements by Sabbaruddin who used to be the chairman of Bank Rakyat.
Today, Sabbaruddin's co-counsel Americk Sidhu said that the matter would come up for hearing for three days beginning Dec 7. Counsel A.K. Sharma appeared for plaintiff Deepak.
Deepak, through the legal action, claimed that Sabbaruddin gave the materials for Shahbudin to pen the non-fiction book, which was published by Special One Publications.
He alleged the book carried statements that defamed him as well as embarrassed and jeopardised his reputation.
Deepak sought RM1.1 billion in general damages, aggravated damages, interest and other relief deemed fit by the court.