KUALA LUMPUR: Parti Amanah Negara (PAN) committee member Khalid Abdul Samad is suing former Selangor Pas commissioner Datuk Dr Hassan Mohamed Ali over the latter's speech on the sale of alcoholic beverages in Shah Alam, four years ago.
This was revealed by Khalid's lawyer Muhammad Faiz Fadzil after case management of his client's defamation suit in the chambers of High Court judge Datuk Hue Siew Kheng today. The suit was filed on April 29.
Khalid, who is Shah Alam member of parliament, claimed Hassan made the speech during a ceramah at Dewan Rukun Tetangga, Section 17, Shah Alam, Selangor, on Jan 30, 2012. Khalid claimed a video recording of the speech was uploaded on YouTube.
Hassan was expelled from Pas on Jan 8, 2012. Khalid, who used to be part of Pas' central working committee, had since left the Islamist party and joined PAN.
Khalid claimed that Hassan's speech implied he was an irresponsible leader, corrupt, and failed to uphold Islamic interests, among others.
Khalid claimed that Hassan uttered the words with malicious intent in order to jeopardize the former's reputation, image and good name among members of the public.
Khalid seeks general and aggravated damages, an injunction to prevent the Hassan from further repeating and re-publishing the alleged defamatory words, interest, cost, and any other relief deemed fit by the court.
According to a copy of Hassan's Statement of Defence, he claimed he made his speech as part of his political, social and moral responsibility to the people of Shah Alam, in light of the fact that he used to be Selangor's state exco in charge of religious affairs.
Yesterday, Faiz said Hue advised parties to try settle the matter, adding that he would seek Khalid's instructions on whether they should attempt to resolve the matter out of court.
Counsel Elina Abdul Rashid acted for Hassan, who now heads non-governmental organisation Jalur Tiga (JATI). The suit is set for further case management on Aug 24.