SHAH ALAM (Aug 22, 2011): Selangor Umno will be filing a RM10 million defamation suit against PAS secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Ali.
Speaking at a press conference at the Selangor Umno building here today, Selangor Umno secretary Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed said that the suit was being filed over Mustafa's allegations that Selangor Umno was behind the raid conducted by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) at the Damansara Utama Methodist Church on Aug 3.
JAIS conducted a raid during a thanksgiving dinner organised at the church premises after receiving complaints that the function being held there was aimed at proselytising to Muslims.
Mohd Zin said that they were filing the suit as Mustafa did not apologise and retract his statement when he was given three days from Aug 17 to do so.
"In the spirit of Ramadan, we are willing to forgive but Mustafa wants to be arrogant and has claimed that he has documents that prove Selangor Umno was behind the raid. As such, filing the suit is the best way to defend the reputation of Selangor Umno," said Mohd Zin.
He reiterated that the party had no connection to the raid.
Mohd Zin said the Selangor Umno had appointed the firm of Messrs Hafarizam Wan and Aisha Mubarak and that a notice of demand would be given shortly.
Asked when the suit would be filed, Mohd Zin said the suit would most likely be filed after Hari Raya, adding that other relevant parties to the suit had yet to be decided.
At the press conference, Mohd Zin called on Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim to disclose the truth behind the JAIS raid, saying the rakyat deserves full disclosure.
The appreciation dinner on Aug 3 was held at DUMC's Dream Centre in Petaling Jaya to commemorate the efforts of the NGO Harapan Komuniti to help women and children, victims of HIV/AIDS and natural disasters.
About 30 JAIS and police officers had entered the premises without a warrant, took photographs and videos as well as details of the Muslim guests present.
The event was attended by a multiracial crowd comprising leaders, volunteers and supporters who had benefited from the programmes.
JAIS claimed it was not a raid, but an inspection, and is preparing a report for the Selangor government on the matter.
It also called in 12 Muslims who were present at the dinner to give their statements.
