Ex-municipal councillor sues Jeff Ooi for defamation

PENANG, Feb 1 — Former Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) member Mohd Razali Abdullah today filed a RM10 million defamation suit against Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi Chuan Aun over allegations against him, including branding him an Islamic extremist.

Razali, a Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) member, filed the suit through his lawyer, Abdul Fareed Abdul Gafoor, at the High Court here.

In his statement of claim, Razali said Ooi (picture), who is also chief of staff in the Chief Minister’s Office, had made the baseless defamatory statements and insinuations repeatedly which were carried by the local newspapers, and Internet websites and portals.

Razali said a notice was filed on Aug 12, 2009 through Messrs VM Mohan, Fareed & Co asking Ooi to apologise for his remarks within seven days but he refused or failed to do so.

Meanwhile, Ooi said he accepted whatever action Razali decided to take against him and that the matter would be handled by his lawyer.

He also revealed that Razali was not reappointed a MPPP councillor as he was also a Kuala Krai District Council member at the time.

Ooi said the matter was confirmed by PKR state liaison chairman and Deputy Chief Minister I Mansor Othman.

In regard to this, Ooi also said former Penang PKR chief Datuk Seri Zahrain Mohamed Hashim should apologise as he had proposed Razali for the MPPP councillor post although he knew the real situation. — Bernama