Zahid to sue Rafizi for alleged defamation

(The Star) – Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will sue PKR strategic director Rafizi Ramli for alleged defamation.

He said Rafizi had gone overboard by accusing him of abuse of power over the acquisition of a company and land by Boustead Holdings Bhd, which is a subsidiary of Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera (LTAT).

Boustead in a filing with Bursa Malaysia last month stated that it would acquire an 80% stake in Astacanggih Sdn Bhd, linked to controversial carpet businessman Deepak Jaikishnan, through subsidiary Bakti Wira Development Sdn Bhd.

Zahid said Boustead, as a public-listed company, did not take instructions from any minister or individual.

“They (Boustead) did purchase the company for RM30mil and land for RM130mil but Rafizi should be aware that the market price was more than RM300mil.

“The said transaction is fully commercialised and does not involve the Defence Ministry or me.

“Not a single sen of LTAT’s money was used in the transaction… LTAT takes care of its contributors,” he said yesterday after announcing plans for the Lang- kawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima) in March.

Zahid challenged Rafizi to lodge a police report against him if he was “man enough” and to issue an open statement, adding that the latter should not destroy the trust contributors had in LTAT.

“We will see each other in court. I hope he stops the lies.

“He should get his facts right and not play such politics,“ he added.