Tan Sri Annuar Musa, a member of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), has refuted claims of defamation against DAP veteran Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang in a speech he delivered on July 6 in Bachok, Kelantan. Annuar's legal representatives have asserted his readiness to defend himself if Lim decides to pursue legal action.
Represented by the law firm Rosli Dahlan Saravana Partnership, Annuar's lawyers responded to Lim's previous letter on July 10, which demanded an apology from him for his remarks. In their reply letter, Annuar's legal team categorically denied all allegations made by Lim and informed him that they are prepared to accept service of any legal action initiated by Lim, pledging to vigorously defend their client.
Annuar's lawyers reiterated that his July 6 speech was founded on factual information and was not intended to defame Lim. They also emphasized that his speech was not malicious, false, or without merit. Furthermore, Annuar asserted that the content and title of a July 6 article published by Malaysiakini did not represent the true intent or meaning of his speech, and he disavowed any involvement in its publication.
In response to the demands stated in Lim's July 10 letter, the PAS member rejected the accusation of defamation. Lim's legal representatives, Karpal Singh & Company, had alleged that Annuar's Facebook post, which contained the contentious speech and garnered 65,000 views, contained defamatory and factually incorrect statements.
Lim's demands included a retraction of the alleged defamatory remarks, a written unreserved apology to be published in both mainstream and online media, and a proposed compensation amount to be agreed upon by Lim. The deadline for compliance was set at 14 days from the date of receipt of the letter.
Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang, 82, a former DAP parliamentary leader, announced his political retirement on March 20, 2022, stating that he would not participate in any future parliamentary or state elections. On the other hand, Tan Sri Annuar Musa, 67, formerly a member of the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) supreme council, joined PAS on June 10.
As the legal dispute between Annuar Musa and Lim Kit Siang unfolds, both parties remain steadfast in their positions. Lim's lawyers have threatened a defamation lawsuit should Annuar fail to comply with the demands set forth in the letter. The issue continues to garner attention, given the involvement of prominent figures in Malaysian politics.
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