Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Parliament today, the PKR lawmaker said he was mulling legal action against those who had published the report, which include a Chinese language daily, and Sungai Besar Umno Division Chief Jamal Yunos.

“I have received numerous calls and text messages since early this morning asking about the statement I allegedly made.

“The reports are nothing but slander. Not a word published in these reports are true.

“So I am discussing with my lawyers on the appropriate course of action against those involved in the publication and distribution of such allegations.”

Manivannan said the daily involved had contacted him but he refused to speak to them at the moment.
The “slanderous report” had alleged that Manivannan had suggested for prostitution to be legalised to help the poor cope with the rising cost of living.

It had quoted a source close to Manivannan as saying this.

The daily then picked up the story and published a comment provided by Jamal who made derogatory remarks about the Kapar MP’s wife and daughter.

Manivannan, in response to this, slammed Jamal for his lack of intellect and integrity by going on a personal attack against his family.

“Those with a religious background and understanding, and a deep sense of respect for themselves and others would not have issued such remarks.”

Jamal, when contacted, said he was merely responding to a post published by a blog.

“If what the blog claimed was false, then I apologise for what I said,”  he told FMT.