Tian Chua expresses regret, Umno withdraws suit
Umno has withdrawn a defamation suit against the PKR vice president after he issues an apology
(FMT) – Umno has withdrawn its defamation suit against PKR vice president Tian Chua, after the Batu member of parliament expressed regret over his comments that Umno had orchestrated the Lahad Datu intrusion, last year.
Both parties agreed to the settlement in chambers, before High Court Judicial Commissioner Rosilah Yop.
“I’ve agreed to express regret for implying that Umno was involved with the Lahad Datu incident,” Tian Chua said when met outside the chambers.
He also said he did not mean to insult Umno by his statements.
As part of the settlement, the offending article published on PKR’s online portal KeadilanDaily.com would also be withdrawn.
Umno executive secretary Abdul Rauf Yusoh confirmed that a settlement had been reached on the case.
No order as to cost was given by the court in the consent judgment.
On March 15 2013, Ab Rauf filed the suit naming Tian Chua, KeadilanDaily.com editor Fazallah Pit and the article’s author Aisha Geoffrey, as defendants.
In his statement of claim, Ab Rauf said Tian Chua accused Umno of being a conspirator to the shooting incident; thereby implying it was a traitor to the country.
