The suit was filed in the High Court here in June. It named Prabakaran as the sole defendant, Bernama reported.

Prabakaran filed his defence on Sept 8, stating that the statements he issued did not have any malicious intent to tarnish Santhara’s image or reputation.

The statement of claim says Prabakaran had issued untrue and false information about Santhara’s responsibilities as a deputy minister. He had done so at a press conference outside the New Zealand High Commission here on March 17.

It said a memorandum was submitted to the New Zealand High Commission criticising the approval granted for Santhara’s visit to New Zealand. Prabakaran had also contacted embassy officials to find out personal information and about the permission for Santhara to enter the country.

Santhara, who was then the deputy minister for the Federal Territories, had been at the centre of controversy over his 55 days’ leave and trip to New Zealand in December and January at a time when Malaysians were not allowed to travel because of Covid-19 restrictions.

He had said that his trip was to be with his wife, who was ill, and visit his children, particularly his nine-year-old daughter who was studying there.

In his suit, Santhara said Prabakaran had accused him of trespassing and entered New Zealand illegally and that New Zealand should take appropriate action against him.

Santhara also said Prabakaran had accused him in May of bullying, being unfair and intimidating him as a young politician by filing the defamation suit, which he acknowledged having received.

In the suit, Santhara applied for an injunction to restrain Prabakaran from making further defamatory statements, and sought damages and for a statement of apology and retraction to be published in three newspapers and on Prabakaran’s Facebook and YouTube accounts.