Ex-MACC chief commissioner tenders open apology to Selangor MB
KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) — Selangor Menteri Besar (MB) Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim withdrew his defamation suit against former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan after the latter tendered an open apology to him at the High Court here today.
In his open apology read in Bahasa Melayu and recorded before Justice Datuk Lau Bee Lan, Ahmad Said said he gave the statement which allegedly slandered Abdul Khalid, in his capacity as MACC chief commissioner while responding to questions by the media about MACC’s investigations on Abdul Khalid.
The investigations pertained to alleged corruption and abuse of power by Abdul Khalid involving the maintenance of his personal car and purchase of 46 heads of cattle for Hari Raya Aidiladha for the Bandar Tun Razak parliamentary constituency which the MB represented.
Ahmad Said said his statement, which was then published by the New Straits Times and The Star, was made before the investigation papers were referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for further action.
“I wish to state that it was made without ill-will or intention to tarnish Abdul Khalid’s reputation, image and integrity,” he said.
Meanwhile, counsel S. N. Nair who represented the MB, said they expected the same apology to appear in the New Straits Times and the Star, within four days.
Abdul Khalid, when met by reporters, said he accepted Ahmad Said’s open apology as the latter had made the statement in his capacity as MACC chief.
He said he would also not claim compensation for damages; both he and Ahmad Said shook hands as proceedings ended.
Senior Federal Counsel Nadiah Hanim Mohd Tajuddin and Deputy Public Prosecutor Azlina Rasdi represented Ahmad Said and the Government.