“I read reports on blogs and Facebook that Maria’s late husband was involved in terrorist activities with the Islamic State (IS),” the Sungai Besar Umno division chief said, referring to Yunus Lebai Ali.
“I did not bring any evidence today to back up these claims,” Jamal told the Kuala Lumpur High Court today.
This earned him a rebuke from judge Mohd Zaki Abdul Wahab.
“Please remember, this court is not a coffee shop. You must furnish evidence to back up your answers,” he said.
Maria, who is the Petaling Jaya MP, is suing Jamal for allegedly slandering her and Bersih during a press conference outside the Putra World Trade Centre on Sept 28, 2016.
She also claimed that on Oct 4 that year, Jamal uttered similar slanderous words against Bersih during a media conference in the Bukit Aman police headquarters compound.
In her statement of claim filed on Oct 7, Maria said she had been brought into public scandal and had her reputation and good name tarnished.
She is seeking general and aggravated damages, as well as an injunction to stop Jamal from uttering or publishing similar words, either verbally, in print, or online.