Hasan wins suit against Mahfuz

Jalur Tiga Malaysia (Jati) former president Datuk Dr Hasan Mohamed Ali is set to receive RM200,000 as compensation after winning his suit against PAS former Vice-President Datuk Mahfuz Omar.

The suit was filed by Hasan over a statement issued by the Pokok Sena Member of Parliament who claimed he was receiving government aid in his every of ceramah.

High Court Judge Datuk Nor Bee Ariffin made the decision after allowing the suit by Hasan, named plaintiff, against Mahfuz, who was named as defendant, in the suit filed on April 12, 2012.

The court also ordered Mahfuz to pay cost of RM30,000 to Hasan.

In his judgement, Nor Bee said the court felt the defendant (Mahfuz) had a mischievous intention when issuing the statement.

Nor Bee said the statement, if read as a whole, could cause the plaintiff to be stigmatized and deemed an insincere person and not qualified to hold a post in politics.

"The statement, if understood in its natural and normal meaning, is capable of giving the view, as stated by the plaintiff in his statement of demand," said Nor Bee.

Via the statement of demand, Hasan claimed Mahfuz had issued a libelous statement in a media conference on March 2, 2012 and it was published in several newspapers and news portals.

Hasan demanded general compensation, exemplary damage and an injunction barring Mahfuz from repeating the libelous words.

Hasan was represented by lawyer Y. S. Ling while Surya Putra Mohamed Taulan acted on behalf of Mahfuz but both the plaintiff and defendant were not present at the proceeding today.