Lokman Adam reaches amicable settlement with chief judge in defamation suit

KUALA LUMPUR – Shariah chief judge Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar’s suit over allegations of sexual harassment against Datuk Lokman Noor Adam was settled amicably today with an apology by the former Umno Supreme Council member.

Lawyer Datuk Akberdin Abdul Kader, representing Na’im, said the terms of the agreement were recorded during an online proceeding before high court judge Datuk Rozana Ali Yusoff.

“Lokman was misinformed by a third party and he did not check it with the plaintiff (Na’im) first before realising that the information provided was incorrect.

“He (Lokman) regretted and apologised for what happened, promised not to repeat the mistake, and will remove all the defamatory postings against the plaintiff (Na’im),” he said when contacted by reporters after the proceeding.

Na’im was at the proceeding, as well as lawyers Logen Eksander Abdullah and Norfazilah Jaafar, who represented Lokman.

Logen, when contacted, confirmed the matter.

Na’im, 54, filed the suit last January 17 in his personal capacity and sought damages amounting to RM30 million over allegations of sexual harassment against several women, including a “Datin” made by Lokman against him.

Based on the statement of claims, Na’im, who is also the director-general of the Shariah Judiciary Department of Malaysia, claimed that the defendant had defamed him by making statements through two live streams on “Lokman Noor Adam Official” Facebook page on January 10 and 13.

He also claimed that the defendant also uploaded the live streams on his YouTube channel on January 10 and 14 respectively, besides uploading three defamatory posts against him on Facebook on January 11 and 13.

He further claimed that the defamatory statements implied that he was a spiritual opportunist, had failed to be a credible leader or set a good example for the community, and tarnished the good image of the Shariah Judiciary Department.

The plaintiff was also seeking general damages to be assessed by the court, apart from exemplary, aggravated and punitive damages amounting to RM10 million each, as well as other relief deemed fit by the court. – Bernama, March 22, 2022