NIBONG TEBAL: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail will attend the trial of the defamation lawsuit filed by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor against him once a new date has been set by the court.
Saifuddin, in jest, said he had requested a postponement following the example set by Sanusi, who had done the same when facing multiple cases.
"I am also like the Kedah menteri besar. When (the trial) was scheduled, the Kedah menteri besar had requested a postponement in his case. So I am also requesting a postponement.
"I am following exactly how the Kedah menteri besar did it.
"Once a new date has been set, we will meet in court," he said when asked to comment on the lawsuit filed by Sanusi against him.
He was met after attending the handing-over of the Immigration detention depot and quarters in Jawi here today.
Sanusi had insisted that his legal suit against Saifuddin would proceed as planned.
Sanusi said he was determined to pursue the case to protect the integrity of the state government and the role of menteri besar entrusted to him.
Sanusi said Saifuddin had made slanderous claims while campaigning during the state elections.
It was reported that the trial is expected to take place between Nov 11 and 13, but Saifuddin had requested a postponement, citing his busy national duties.
Sanusi had filed the lawsuit against Saifuddin after the home minister failed to apologise and pay compensation for allegedly defaming him in two events, one in Kedah and another in Penang.
The writ of summons and statement of claim were filed on Aug 3 through Faizi & Associates at the Alor Star High Court.
According to the statement of claim, Sanusi accused Saifuddin of making defamatory statements about the alleged theft of rare earth elements and funds from the Malaysian Road Records Information System.