PETALING JAYA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail will appeal the Alor Setar High Court’s decision which found him liable of defaming Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
In a statement on Saturday (Aug 24), Saifuddin said that while he respected the court’s ruling, he believed there are strong legal grounds to challenge the judgment.
“After reviewing the decision with my legal team, I am of the view that there is a solid legal basis for an appeal.
I have instructed my lawyers to immediately file an appeal at the Court of Appeal and will also apply for a stay of execution pending the outcome,” he said.
He added that all his previous remarks were made in the interest of raising matters of public concern.
“I firmly believe that openness, integrity and accountability are essential cores of democracy,” he said.
The defamation suit arose from remarks made by Saifuddin on July 14 and 15, 2023, during the Kedah state election campaign, where he accused Sanusi of involvement in the theft of rare earth elements (REE) in Sik and the misappropriation of federal road maintenance funds under the Malaysian Road Records Information System (MARRIS).
Sanusi denied the claims, describing them as false, malicious and politically motivated.
Earlier on Saturday, the Alor Setar High Court ruled in favour of Sanusi.
Judge Dr John Lee Kien How@ Mohamad Johan Lee ordered Saifuddin to pay RM600,000 in general damages and RM70,000 in legal costs, totalling RM670,000.
The court also granted a permanent injunction barring Saifuddin from repeating the statements and directed him to publish a formal apology in both Malay and English newspapers within 14 days, with the wording subject to Sanusi’s approval.
