KUALA LUMPUR: I am puzzled as to why Synergy Promenade Sdn Bhd is slapping me with a RM100 million defamation suit, said Tan Sri Shahrir Samad.
Shahrir, who is former chairman of Federal Land Development Authority (Felda), in a press conference today, said, “After the General Election, I was thinking of retiring but with this defamatory suit levelled against me, I have to respond appropriately.”
“I am puzzled by this legal action against me. The memorandum of understanding between Felda and Synergy Promenade to resolve any dissatisfaction is still in effect and will only expire on 14th June 2018.
“This is unprecedented as never before any former chairman of a government agency has been sued for defamation,” Shahrir said.
This morning, Synergy Promenade filed a RM100 million defamatory suit at the Kuala Lumpur High Court.
Synergy Promenade, the property developer of Kuala Lumpur Vertical City (KLVC) along Jalan Semarak, claimed Shahrir had made misleading statements about it between December 2017 and March this year.
It was reported that the allegedly defamatory statements were published on various news and social media outlets.
Synergy Promenade had demanded Shahrir to publish an apology for defamatory allegations, to be issued based on the terms agreed upon by the plaintiff, in five national newspapers.
Besides seeking RM100 million in damages, Synergy Promenade is also seeking general damages, interest, cost and other appropriate relief.
When pressed further on the motive of Synergy Promenade director Datuk Marina Hashim, who held a press conference at the KL High Court after filing the suit, Shahrir shrugged his shoulders and replied, “This is New Malaysia. Maybe that is why I am being sued.”
“I don't think I have any reason to apologise as I have spoken the truth and my comments are fair,” Shahrir said.
He then explained his statements on Synergy Promenade concerning the KLVC project were made in adherence to approval of Felda’s board.
“We observed due process in consulting Felda board of directors, the Prime Minister's Department and the Attorney-General,” he said.
“I assure you the statements I made on Synergy Promenade and KLVC were in line with Felda board’s decision,” he added.
Following Felda board approval and that of other authorities, Felda director general Datuk Abdul Ghani Mohd Ali lodged a police report on December 26, 2017 and placed the land parcels under the registrar's caveat.
Asked if Shahrir may countersue Synergy Promenade for undue duress, he replied, “My lawyer has advised me I can only decide on my next course of action after Synergy Promenade’s writ is sealed by the Kuala Lumpur High Court and sent to Felda.”