MACC chief Azam Baki sues anti-graft activist for defamation

PUTRAJAYA: Embattled MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki has filed a defamation suit against anti-graft activist Lalitha Kunaratnam.

The suit was filed at the Kuala Lumpur High Court through legal firm Messrs Zain Megat & Murad on behalf of Azam on Wednesday (Jan 12).

The firm said the suit was in relation to the articles published and republished by Lalitha in the Independent News Services on Oct 25 and Dec 15 last year.

“Instead of responding to our client’s Letter of Demand issued on Jan 6, she (Lalitha) has through her lawyer issued a press statement published on her Twitter account, where in she claimed to stand by her publication and republication, the contents of which our client strenuously maintains are defamatory.

“Our client is therefore constrained to file this suit before the expiry of 14 days from the date of the Letter of Demand to protect his good name, reputation and professional standing,” it said in a statement.

The writ of summons, as well as the statement of claim filed by Azam, was sighted by The Star.

The firm said Azam was merely asserting his rights as enshrined by the Federal Constitution and applicable laws, to seek the necessary and appropriate reliefs from the Malaysian courts.

“Our client strongly believes that this will also provide the defendant a similar right and an opportunity to justify her claims in court and not merely engage in a trial by the media,” it said.

The firm said Azam will not be making further statements in relation to the matter.

“He has full confidence in the Malaysian courts to hear and decide on this matter accordingly.

“Our client wishes to make clear his unwavering commitment that the MACC will always protect all whistleblowers who fall within the ambit of the Whistleblower Protection Act,” it said.