Rahim had demanded a public apology, compensation of RM1.5 million and retraction of the statement in which Khoo reportedly warned PPBM against his entry into the party.

“I will not agree to any of Rahim’s demands. I deny the allegations of defamation and malice.

“I will instruct my lawyers to reply to his letter accordingly,” he said.

Khoo said that Rahim’s application to join PPBM was a matter of public interest as it raised questions on the credibility and integrity of Pakatan Harapan (PH).

“As I have stated previously, it is my responsibility as an elected representative to highlight the citizens’ concern on such a matter,” he said.

He said he found it strange that Rahim had decided to take legal action two months after he had issued the statement.

“Did he hesitate because he did not want to spoil the chances of him being accepted into PPBM? Does this mean that his application to PPBM has been rejected and therefore he is now free to sue me?

“In any case, I urge PPBM to take note of this recent action and evaluate if he is fit to be part of Pakatan Harapan,” he said.

Khoo had warned PH against taking in Rahim after he handed over his membership form to PPBM.