MELAKA: An attempt to settle a defamation lawsuit between DAP vice-chairman Teresa Kok and Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh ended in failure today, after both parties were unable to reach an agreement during mediation at the Ayer Keroh Court Complex.
As a result, the case will proceed to a full trial on Feb 12 and 13 at the Ayer Keroh High Court before judicial commissioner Isa Aziz Ibrahim.
Kok’s lawyer, Datuk SN Nair, said the mediation session, which lasted nearly an hour, was conducted in accordance with a court order, but no settlement was reached.
“We were unable to reach an agreement during the mediation process, so we will proceed to court for trial on Feb 12 and 13. Although there are reasons for the failed discussion, we cannot disclose them to outsiders. That is the court’s instruction,” he told reporters outside the mediation room today.
Nair added that both parties were not allowed to reveal details of the discussion in line with the court’s directive, but confirmed that the writ of summons and statement of claim filed earlier remain in effect.
When asked if she was satisfied with the discussion, Kok said only that her side would meet Akmal in court.
“We did not reach an agreement to resolve the case out of court, so we will meet in court in February,” she said briefly.
Meanwhile, Akmal, represented by lawyer Syahrul Sazwan Salehin, said his side respected the court directive to hold mediation but was prepared to proceed to a full trial.
“Today, I conclude that the mediation was unsuccessful. God willing, we will wait for the trial in February and defend ourselves then,” he said.
The mediation was conducted before deputy registrar of the Mediation Division, Suzana Mokhtar, at the mediation room of the Ayer Keroh Court Complex.
Previously, Kok had issued a letter of demand to Akmal seeking RM25 million in damages, as well as legal fees and other expenses, after alleging that the Umno Youth chief’s statements about her regarding the halal certification issue — made through a video uploaded to TikTok, Facebook and Instagram on Sept 7, 2024 — were untrue, made in bad faith, and carried racial undertones.
The writ of summons was filed at the Melaka High Court on Oct 14, 2024.
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