Umno veteran Tajuddin Abdul Rahman has declared his readiness to contest a defamation case filed by DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng, saying he will defend himself in court if necessary.
The legal action stems from remarks Tajuddin was alleged to have made in October 2022 during a forum organised by Sinar Harian in the run-up to the 15th general election. According to the suit, Lim claimed Tajuddin had accused him of sidelining the Malay community while serving as finance minister from 2018 to 2020. He was also said to have likened the ministry under Lim’s leadership to a “Chinese temple”, creating the perception that civil service positions had been unfairly handled and that his administration was tainted with bias.
Lim argued in his statement of claim that such remarks implied recklessness and incompetence, and painted him as unfit for public office. He further alleged that the comments suggested misuse of power, particularly by removing Malay officials from the Treasury. Seeking to clear his name, the former Penang chief minister is demanding damages, a full retraction, and a public apology to be published not only in the media but also on Tajuddin’s personal social media platforms.
Tajuddin, who previously served as the Pasir Salak MP and was a member of Umno’s Supreme Council, confirmed that he had been informed of the lawsuit several days earlier. He responded by saying he would stand firm and let the courts decide. While acknowledging Lim’s right to take the matter to trial, Tajuddin also questioned why the case was only being brought up now, nearly two years after the alleged incident.
He suggested that the timing might reflect Lim’s current political standing, noting that the former finance minister is no longer part of the government or holding the top leadership role in his party. To him, the move indicated that Lim might now have the time to revisit old disputes.
The case is likely to attract close public attention, given both men’s long-standing prominence in national politics and the sensitivity of the issues raised. For Tajuddin, the courtroom will be the platform to defend the words attributed to him, while Lim seeks to restore his reputation and hold his political rival accountable.
As the proceedings develop, the legal battle between the two veterans will not only test personal credibility but may also rekindle debates about political rhetoric and accountability in Malaysia’s political landscape.
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