Yeo's defamation suit against Jamal likely to be settled amicably - lawyer

The defamation suit filed by Energy, Green Technology, Science, Climate Change and Environment Minister Yeo Bee Yin against Sungai Besar Umno chief Jamal Yunos in connection with the Yayasan Warisan Anak Selangor (Yawas) fund will most likely be settled amicably.

Lawyer Mohammed Nasser Yusof, representing Jamal, told reporters that he would review the terms of the settlement offered by Yeo on Sept 3.

“If there is a solution, we will submit notice to the court (for further action). 

"Otherwise, the trial will be heard on March 5 and 6, and April 20 and 21 next year," he informed reporters after case management in judge Nik Hasmat Nik Mohamad's chambers today.

On June 14, 2017, Yeo filed the lawsuit seeking RM5 million in compensation from Jamal for his defamatory statement over the alleged abuse of the Yawas fund.

In the statement of claim, Yeo said the defendant issued a defamatory statement on March 21, and the statement was published by several newspapers, news portals and on Jamal’s Facebook account.

Yeo claimed Jamal’s statement, among others, gave the impression that she had abused public funds for personal use, and painted her as an unethical and unreliable person.

Apart from RM5 million in general damages, Yeo is also seeking compensatory, aggravated and exemplary damages, and an injunction to prevent Jamal from repeating his allegations.

Meanwhile, another High Court set Oct 10 for the case management of another defamation suit against Jamal, filed by Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok (photo) for alleged defamation in connection with the Yawas fund.

The matter was disclosed by Nasser to reporters after case management in judge Ahmad Bache's chambers.

On April 6, 2017, Kok sued Jamal for issuing a defamatory statement against her in connection with the fund during a press conference on March 8.

In her statement of claim, Kok said the statement was published by print and electronic media, including on Jamal’s Facebook page.

Kok claimed the defamatory statement, among others, gave the impression that she had misused state government funds for her own use and was an unethical person.

She is seeking RM1 million in general damages, plus compensatory, aggravated and exemplary damages, and an injunction to prevent Jamal from making further such claims in the media.

- Bernama