The Bersatu leader claimed that Asheeq had made the alleged defamatory remarks alleging his involvement in the case at a press conference on Aug 11, 2021.

“The defendant’s (Asheeq) statement had implied that the plaintiff (Hilman) was involved in the alleged rape against a woman.

“The statement was done in bad faith as he tried to lower the plaintiff’s reputation as a politician,” Hilman said in his statement of claim, adding that the alleged statement was reported in several news websites such as FMT, Malaysiakini, Sinar Harian and The Malaysian Insight.

Hilman said his legal team from Hafiz Ruzaini & Co had sent a letter of demand to Asheeq on Aug 13, 2021, demanding an apology.

However, he said Asheeq refused to comply.

Hilman is seeking damages and an order to compel Asheeq to apologise.

Previously, Asheeq had been reported as saying the woman, who claimed she was raped by Hilman’s friends, was contemplating filing a civil suit against the alleged perpetrators.

The woman demanded the authorities press charges against them.

A man, known as Mohd Zulfahimin Mahdzir, was charged in the sessions court here on Sept 3 with raping the woman in December 2020.