KUALA LUMPUR: PAS MP Zulkifli Ismail and the Islamic party’s mouthpiece Harakah have apologised to Wanita PKR chief Fadhlina Sidek for defaming her in 2023.
The Jasin MP read out a statement of apology to Fadhlina before sessions court judge Hilmiah Yusof, who also ordered for RM15,000 in costs to be paid to the Nibong Tebal MP.
“After reviewing the statements, we acknowledge that they gave rise to various interpretations and caused misunderstanding among the public towards Fadhlina, thereby affecting her reputation.
“In fact, schools were permitted to chant the takbir and recite the ‘Qunut Nazilah’ during the Palestine Solidarity Week. We therefore apologise to Fadhlina for the statements,” Zulkifli told the court.
On Nov 5, 2023, Zulkifli alleged that the ministry had banned the “takbir” and recitation of Islamic prayers during a Palestine Solidarity Week held in schools nationwide.
The MP’s remarks were made at a separate event held in solidarity with the Palestinians, and were published by the online portal Harakahdaily and the newspaper Harakah the following day.
Fadhlina, who is also education minister, then sued Zulkifli, Galeri Media Serbanika Sdn Bhd (Harakah) and Harakah’s then chief editor, Mazlan Jusoh.
Zulkifli told the court that he and Harakah agreed to settle the dispute with Fadhlina as there were more important issues of national interest that required attention at this time.
They also promised not to repeat, republish, disseminate or comment on the said statements or make other statements of similar effect in any way or form.
Lawyers Ibrahim Mohamad and Nor Aziah Harun represented Fadhlina, while Yusfarizal Yusoff and Faizi Che Abu represented Zulkifli. Harakah was represented by Darwisy Roslan and Afifah Latiff.
