Raja Nong Chik-Nurul Izzah defamation suit to be heard before new judge

The mediation process among parties in a defamation suit filed by former Federal Territories and urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Seri Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin against Lembah Pantai Member of Parliament Nurul Izzah Anwar will be heard before a new judge on June 26.

Counsel Aston Paiva, representing Nurul Izzah, told reporters Monday that it would convene before High Court judge Datuk Nik Hasmat Nik Mohamed, who set the date in chambers when the case came up for mention.

Last Feb 5, the parties involved failed to reach a settlement in a mediation process which was convened before Justice Zainal L. Salleh at the Kuala Lumpur Court Mediation Centre.

Raja Nong Chik filed the suit on July 17 last year, citing Nurul Izzah, Mkini Dotcom Sdn Bhd, which is owned by news portal, Malaysiakini, and Malaysiakini journalist Lu Wei Hoon as defendants.

In the statement of claim, Raja Nong Chik alleged that Nurul Izzah had, in a press conference at Bangunan Bakti, Taman Tun Dr Ismail here on May 4 last year, which was on the eve of the 13th general election (GE13), made defamatory as well as false statements against him pertaining to a land transaction.

He claimed that Nurul Izzah's statements were posted on the Malaysiakini website the same day.

Raja Nong Chik is seeking an injunction to stop the defendants, or their agents, from further publishing the alleged defamatory words against him.

He is also seeking general and aggravated damages and an order for the defendants to publish an apology, as well as interests and costs.

Raja Nong Chik said as a result of the publication of the statement, his reputation and dignity as a politician, former minister and senator had been tarnished.

In the May 5 general election, Nurul Izzah defeated Raja Nong Chik for the Lembah Pantai parliamentary seat with a majority of 1,847 votes.