KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 – Former MCA President Ling Liong Sik is standing by his remarks against the prime minister and will not apologise for defamation over remarks on the handling of state investment vehicle 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
In a press statement today, Dr Ling said he had decided to accept Najib’s “challenge” to a court battle. He said he was very surprised to receive the letter from Najib’s lawyers accusing him of defaming the prime minister. He was also extremely surprised that the contents of the letter were “splashed” all over the media.
“I say to the prime minister, if you choose to sue me, I will defend myself. In all humility, I accept your challenge. I look forward to seeing the prime minister take the witness stand, as no doubt he would have to do so if he says his reputation is at stake. I want to reiterate that I stand by what I said. I will not apologise,” he said in a strongly worded in the press statement.
Ling on Saturday publicly called for Najib’s removal from his position as Prime Minister. He claimed that Najib had “taken the people’s money and put it in his own personal accounts.” Following his remarks, legal firm Hafarizam Wan & Aisha Mubarak had issued a letter of demand on behalf of Najib to Dr Ling at his residence. The letter asked him to offer an unreserved apology and compensation within seven days, failing which legal action would be instituted.
