KUALA LUMPUR: A defamation lawsuit filed by former religious minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa, against PAS over LGBT has been settled out of court.
Lawyer Noorazmir Zakaria, representing Mujahid, informed the High Court that both parties have reached a mutual agreement and decided to end the dispute.
"We refer to a letter dated Dec 26 that stated both parties have agreed to settlement terms undisclosed to the public.
"Therefore, our client (Mujahid) agrees to withdraw the lawsuit without liberty to file again and no order as to cost," Noorazmir said on Tuesday (Dec 30).
Lawyer Yusfarizal Yusof, who represented PAS, confirmed the matter.
Justice Roslan Mat Nor then struck out the lawsuit and thanked the parties for settling matters out of court.
"The court expresses its appreciation to the plaintiff and defendant for settling out of court and for their lawyers' efforts in the negotiations.
"This case is therefore struck out," the judge said.
Mujahid filed the lawsuit on Dec 15, 2022, against PAS over the party's posting on Facebook that linked him to the LGBT community.
PAS was sued through its secretary-general, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.
In his statement of claim, Mujahid alleged that PAS had lowered his dignity, subjected him to public humiliation, and defamed him by making or publishing defamatory statements on the party’s official Facebook account status.
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He sought an order compelling PAS to retract and remove the defamatory statements and the plaintiff’s photograph within 14 days from the date of judgment, in addition to claiming general, exemplary and aggravated damages.
In its statement of defence, PAS contended that the plaintiff’s statement of claim was defective and invalid on the grounds that the plaintiff had failed to identify the individual responsible who exercised control over and carried out the publication of the article in question.
Meanwhile, in a joint statement, both parties agreed to resolve the case amicably, citing the need to focus on other pressing issues in the interest of the nation.
"Takiyuddin, in his capacity as PAS secretary-general, without any admission of liability, publicly and in good faith tendered an apology to Mujahid over the post.
"Mujahid, who appreciated the goodwill gesture, agreed to withdraw the lawsuit.
"Both parties hope that this settlement will be accepted and respected by all parties and not be used in any way that could disrupt the nation’s peace and stability," the statement said.
