KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Abdul Rahman Dahlan has filed a defamation suit against Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli for alleging that he had awarded a contract to his own “brother”.

The High Court registry today fixed management of the case for March 29 before Justice Mohd Zaki Abdul Wahab, and ordered Rafizi to file his defence.

In the lawsuit filed last month, Rahman, the Kota Belud MP, claimed that Rafizi’s statement, made at a press conference last year, was done in bad faith to tarnish his reputation.

“Rafizi had made his statement recklessly, without verifying the facts,” he said in his lawsuit, adding that Rafizi wanted to gain publicity by making the claims.

Rahman also contended that Rafizi had later admitted his allegation was false, but had refused to apologise.

He is seeking damages and a court injunction to stop Rafizi from issuing similar statements against him.

Rahman is also demanding that Rafizi publish an apology in major English and Malay newspapers.

At a press conference on Dec 11, 2017, Rafizi claimed that the contract for the Economic Planning Unit’s (EPU) Expo Negaraku 2017 exhibition was awarded to “Raslan”, who he said was Rahman’s brother.

Rahman is the minister in charge of EPU.

On the same day, Rahman held a press conference to refute Rafizi’s allegation. Present during Rahman’s press conference was Nor Raslan Mohd Dahlan, who is the chief executive officer of Pico Integrated Exhibit (M) Sdn Bhd.

Raslan’s company obtained the contract for Expo Negaraku 2017, an exhibition that showcased infrastructure projects, including the controversial Bandar Malaysia project.

“Today he ‘kantoi’,” Rahman had said, using the Malay term to describe Rafizi’s blunder when it was found that the person Rafizi had named was not Rahman’s brother.

Rafizi’s press conference video was removed from his Facebook page on the same day.

Rafizi had previously said he would apologise to Raslan but not Rahman.

“Rahman Dahlan should be apologising to the people for not doing his job. When the prices of goods are going up, he is busy holding an expo.

“To Raslan Dahlan from Pico Integrated, I am ready to apologise (over the allegations),” he said.

I apologise to Raslan, but not Rahman, says Rafizi

Expo Negaraku 2017 cost RM37 million, says minister

Rahman Dahlan to sue Rafizi over nepotism allegation

Rafizi’s expose tomorrow could contain more lies, says Rahman

I apologise to Raslan, but not Rahman, says Rafizi

Rahman Dahlan to sue Rafizi over nepotism allegation