The defamation suit filed by former religious affairs minister Mujahid Yusof Rawa against PAS over an alleged claim that he supports the LGBT community is expected to be settled out of court soon.
Talks progress but need final nod
Lawyer Noorazmir Zakaria, representing Mujahid, informed Justice Roslan Mat Nor today that both sides held discussions last month and are working towards an amicable resolution.
He told the court that some details of the settlement still need to be ironed out.
Faizi Che Abu, counsel for PAS, confirmed the party’s leadership will meet next month to give its approval before a consent judgment can be recorded.
When the judge asked what would happen if the party’s office-bearers rejected the terms, Faizi replied that discussions are ongoing and further refinement of the settlement is required.
The court fixed Dec 30 for the next case mention so both parties can update on the progress of negotiations.
Mujahid and PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan were both present in court today.
Background of the 2022 lawsuit
Mujahid initiated the legal action in 2022, claiming a PAS Facebook post published on Oct 16 that year had defamed him.
The post, titled “Mantan menteri agama PH sokong LGBT?” (“Former Pakatan religious minister supports LGBT?”), implied that he endorsed the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
He is seeking general, exemplary and aggravated damages, along with an order for PAS to remove the post from its Facebook page.
