The suit was over the status and image uploaded by Ridwan Abu Samah on his Facebook page, which allegedly contained defamatory remarks against Rauf, who is also Masjid Tanah Umno division leader.
In the consent judgment, read before Judicial Commissioner Faizah Jamaludin, Ridwan expressed his utmost regret over his mistake in perceiving the pictures that were uploaded in the wrong context.
“To my knowledge the pictures (that were uploaded) were of a resort in Masjid Tanah which belonged to the plaintiff’s (Rauf) family and has been registered under the name of Husin Yusoh, who is the plaintiff’s brother.
“Out of regret, I retract my remarks on my status and the image status and pledge that I will not publish them in future,” said Ridwan.
Lawyer Mohd Hafarizam Harun, when reading the statement in reply on behalf of Rauf, who also attended the proceeding today, said: “On the willingness by the defendant (Ridwan) in expressing his utmost regrets for publishing the status and image status, as well as the pledge made, the plaintiff hereby accepts the apology by the defendant.”
Hafarizam said Ridwan would upload the statement of apology on his Facebook page under the name of “Wan Motor” and “PPBM Masjid Tanah” within the next seven days.
The consent judgment was then recorded by the court.
Rauf had, in his personal capacity, filed the suit on Jan 5 this year.
In his statement of claim, Rauf alleged that the defamatory words, among others, meant that he was a dishonest person and had abused his position to mislead and win the people’s hearts, specifically those residing in Masjid Tanah.
He sought general and exemplary damages and other relief deemed fit by the court, and an injunction to prevent the defendant or his agents from re-publishing the alleged defamatory words.