KUALA LUMPUR: The damage to Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor's reputation does not stem from the statements made by Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, but rather issues related to governance and administrative misconduct of the Kedah menteri besar.
This was among the arguments put forward by Saifuddin in a recent defence statement filed by his lawyers in response to a lawsuit that had been filed by Sanusi.
The Home Minister said the mishandling of Malaysian Road Records Information System (Marris) funds by Sanusi had showed a lack of financial prudence on the part of the Kedah government under Sanusi's leadership, in addition to the controversial governance issues related to the rare earth elements (REE).
"All these factors indicate that Sanusi may be perceived as a weak leader with insufficient qualities of strong leadership needed for effective governance of a state.
"Furthermore, there is no need for me to confirm the statements concerning Sanusi.
"Therefore, I deny any malicious intent, grudge, or intention to tarnish Sanusi's reputation," said Saifuddin in a defence statement filed by his lawyer from Nav & Co in Alor Star High Court on Sept 14.
It was in response to the lawsuit filed by Sanusi who alleged that the PKR secretary-general had defamed him by accusing him of stealing REE and misusing funds from Marris.
On Aug 3, Sanusi filed a writ of summons and a statement of claim against Saifuddin through the legal firm Faizi & Associates in the Alor Star High Court.
In his statement of claim, Sanusi said Saifuddin had delivered a speech during the Jelajah Perpaduan Madani and the Launch of Jentera Perpaduan Kedah program held at Padang Awam, Guar Chempedak, Yan, at 8.30pm on July 15.
This was part of the political campaign by Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional leading up to the Kedah state election on Aug 12.
During the speech, Sanusi alleged that Saifuddin made defamatory statements accusing him, as the menteri besar and chairman of the Kedah Menteri Besar Incorporated, of stealing REE in Kampung Chong, Sik, which garnered extensive media coverage.
Saifuddin stated that Sanusi did not suffer any loss or damage to his reputation, as evidenced by Sanusi's victory in retaining the Jeneri state seat in the recently concluded Kedah state election with a majority of over 16,000 votes.
"Sanusi was sworn in again as the Menteri Besar of Kedah, holding eight portfolios in the state government's executive council, and retained the position of Chairman of MBI Kedah in the process," he said.
