Lawyer Akberdin Abdul Kader, who appeared for Na’im, said Judge Rozana Ali Yusoff allowed the status quo to be maintained pending the outcome of the inter partes injunction hearing on March 22.

(In an inter partes hearing, both sides will make submissions before a ruling is made.)

“Lokman wanted time to reply to an affidavit to the ex parte application by Na’im. We wanted the court to maintain the status quo, which was allowed,” Akberdin told FMT.

Rozana directed Lokman to file the affidavit-in-reply and defence by Friday and for Na’im to file his reply, if necessary, by Feb 25.

Lawyer Fazilah Jaafar represented Lokman.

On Jan 19, Na’im filed a defamation suit and sought the interim injunction after Lokman, claimed he had been implicated in several sexual harassment cases, including one where he was said to be lying nude in a bedroom of a woman’s home.

Na’im said Lokman made disparaging remarks against him on Facebook and YouTube.

He said the alleged defamatory statements implied that he was a “spiritual opportunist”, had failed to be a credible leader or set a good example for the community, and tarnished the good image of the shariah judiciary department.

Na’im said he had lodged a police report on Jan 12 to deny the claim by the woman, said to be a “Datin”, and against Lokman over his posting of the videos.

He also said his lawyers had issued a letter of demand against Lokman on Jan 13 to remove the alleged defamatory statements and tender an apology within 24 hours.

However, he said the demand was not met by Lokman.

Na’im is seeking RM30 million in general, exemplary and aggravated damages.