GEORGE TOWN: The defamation trial involving three DAP leaders and a Pas member of Parliament will proceed after all parties failed to reach a settlement.
Earlier, it was reported that DAP's Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang, Lim Guan Eng and Teresa Kok were mediating over their defamation suits against Kepala Batas MP Dr Siti Mastura Mohamad over her claims they were related to Communist Party of Malaya leader Chin Peng and former Singapore prime minister Lee Kuan Yew.
The six-day trial will now proceed as scheduled on Sept 2.
Lawyer Datuk SN Nair, who appeared for the DAP trio, said mediation began at 11am.
"Unfortunately we couldn't meet midway, as such, the matter will go to trial. It will be a joint trial as the case has been consolidated.
"But we are still open to any settlement (offers) if it's forthcoming," he told reporters after the mediation session at the Penang High Court building here today.
However, Sankara said he could not discuss details of the mediation.
Mastura was represented by counsel Mohd Faizi Che Abu,
Kit Siang and Guan Eng filed suits against Mastura over her claims that they were related to former Communist Party of Malaya leader, Chin Peng and former Singapore prime minister Lee Kuan Yew.
She also claimed that Kok was a cousin of Guan Eng's wife Betty Chew.
Mastura allegedly made the claim during a speech in Terengganu on Nov 4.
She has said she sourced the facts from a book Barisan Nasional's communications department purportedly published as part of its campaign material for the 15th general election.
Previously, Guan Eng said BN deputy chairman Mohamad Hasan told him he was unaware of the purported book.