Zairil withdraws defamation suit after activists retract unfounded allegations in Penang court settlement
GEORGE TOWN, June 6 — State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari yesterday withdrew his defamation suit against activists Ravinder Singh and Khoo Salma Nasution, following their retraction of allegedly defamatory remarks made during the 2023 Penang State Election.
Zairil confirmed the withdrawal at the Penang Sessions Court, stating that all parties acknowledged the allegations were unfounded.
'The case has reached its conclusion at the Penang Sessions Court today. Both defendants have retracted their statements and expressed sincere regret over the matter.
'As a result, I have agreed to withdraw my suit against them. May this serve as a lesson to always verify your facts before making unfounded allegations and irresponsible claims,' Zairil said in a statement posted on Facebook.
In a joint statement, Ravinder and Khoo acknowledged that their allegations were unfounded and expressed regret for any embarrassment, inconvenience, or reputational harm caused to Zairil as a result of their statements and any ensuing misunderstandings.
'The parties are unanimously of the opinion that bringing the matter to a close is in the best interest of all concerned. Khoo and Ravinder have removed the recording from their respective social media accounts and further undertake not to republish the same,' the statement read.
According to the statement, on Aug 5, 2023, a recording was uploaded by Khoo on her X account, depicting an interaction between herself and Ravinder during a civil protest against the Penang South Reclamation project.
The same recording was subsequently shared on Ravinder's Facebook page on Aug 22, 2023.
The recording referenced Zairil's role as a member of the Penang government and alleged that a familial connection influenced the appointment of the project delivery partner for the reclamation project. — Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
34 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
‘Just his personal opinion': Fahmi shrugs off Rafizi's podcast claim of losing Anwar's support
KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil today said Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli's claim that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim no longer had confidence in him as economy minister was merely a personal opinion. Rafizi made the claim during a recent episode of his podcast, suggesting that Anwar's backing of Nurul Izzah's bid to challenge him for the PKR deputy presidency signalled he was no longer wanted in the Cabinet. 'That is just his personal opinion,' Fahmi told reporters here when asked to confirm the allegation. Rafizi resigned from the post in late May, citing his defeat to Nurul Izzah in the PKR's deputy presidential race — a move that triggered talk of cracks within the Anwar administration. Nurul Izzah is Anwar's eldest child. Anwar was said to have rejected his resignation initially, with the hope that he could convince him to stay. Shortly after, Rafizi responded that he would not change his mind. In the first episode of his own podcast, Yang Berhenti Menteri, the Pandan MP said remaining in Anwar's Cabinet would make him a 'lame duck' minister. 'To reform the economy is precisely why (having the) mandate is very important... it translates to the progress of reforms. If you lose the mandate (as deputy president), then that means that people have rejected your views and ideas,' he said. 'Even if I had stayed, it would not have been smooth sailing for (the ministry as) the perception is that I no longer have the prime minister's endorsement,' the Pandan MP added.
Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
Two friends die after car crashes into tree in Klebang
MELAKA, June 22 — Two friends were killed when the car they were travelling in skidded and crashed into a tree on the road divider along Jalan Persisiran Pantai Klebang here early this morning. Melaka Tengah police chief ACP Christopher Patit said the incident occurred at around 6.45am and the victims were identified as the driver of the Proton Wira, Muhammad Nur Zamani Mohd Nazery, 28, and his passenger, Muhammad Haziq, 25. 'Initial investigations found that the car, driven by Muhammad Nur Zamani, was travelling from Melaka town towards Bukit Rambai via Jalan Persisiran Pantai Klebang. Upon reaching the scene, the vehicle is believed to have skidded, struck a road cone, spun out of control, and crashed into a tree on the road divider,' he said in a statement today. 'As a result of the accident, both victims sustained severe injuries to the head, body, and arms, and were pronounced dead at the scene.' He added that the bodies have been sent to Melaka Hospital for post-mortem, while the vehicle has been taken to the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (PUSPAKOM) for further assessment. Meanwhile, Melaka Tengah Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) Operations Commander, Senior Fire Officer I Mohd Zahery Mohd Zailani, said they received an emergency call at 6.51am and arrived at the scene nine minutes later. 'Upon arrival, we found the driver trapped inside the vehicle, while his friend had been thrown out of the car,' he said. He added that the situation was brought under control by 7.18am, with eight personnel involved in the rescue operation. — Bernama
Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
Tengku Zafrul: Malaysia, US aim to seal tariff deal before 90-day clock runs out
KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — Malaysia's discussions with the United States (US) Trade Representative and the US Secretary of Commerce on ongoing tariff-related negotiations have made good progress, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz He said both Malaysia and US representatives have expressed their intention to finalise negotiations before the expiry of the 90-day pause on tariff implementation, and agreed to intensify efforts to reach an agreement acceptable to key stakeholders in both countries. In a statement today, he highlighted that the US has been one of Malaysia's top three export markets over the past decade. 'In May 2025, exports to the US recorded the eighth consecutive month of double-digit growth,' he said. A significant share of Malaysia's exports to the US supports and complements US domestic industries in sectors such as electrical and electronics (E&E), semiconductors, medical devices, machinery, equipment, and parts. Malaysia also serves as a key supplier of intermediate goods to US-based manufacturing industries. 'MITI has remained steadfast in upholding Malaysia's interests in all trade and investment relations, particularly in safeguarding the integrity of Malaysia's domestic commitments and sovereign rights,' he added. He further stated that MITI anticipates the negotiations will help secure Malaysia's supply chains and deliver positive spillovers to local businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), while also creating more high-paying jobs for Malaysians. 'These efforts will further strengthen Malaysia's position as a preferred investment destination in the region and drive the Madani economic transformation agenda towards becoming a high-tech, high-income nation,' said Tengku Zafrul. Tengku Zafrul led a working visit to Washington, US, from June 18-20, 2025. The visit focused on continuing US tariff-related engagement and negotiations with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. He was accompanied by MITI's chief negotiator, the Deputy Chief of Mission from the Embassy of Malaysia, and MITI officials based in Washington. — Bernama
