Yeoh, the current youth and sports minister, had in her book, Becoming Hannah: A Personal Journey, written: “God wants to reclaim politics and public service in Malaysia for righteousness’ sake.”

Under cross-examination by Yeoh’s lawyer, Sangeet Kaur Deo, Ibrahim admitted to not reproducing the entire sentence in his witness statement.

Sangeet: What are the words that you omitted?

Ibrahim: “For righteousness’ sake”.

Sangeet: Did you deliberately omit the words “for righteousness’ sake”?

Ibrahim: Yes.

Told that the omitted phrase would give the sentence context and show the author’s intention, Ibrahim responded: “I understand”.

Sangeet: What is your interpretation of the term “righteousness”?

Ibrahim: It is her right.

Sangeet: So your interpretation is that she is claiming her right?

Ibrahim: Yes, and her God’s right.

Sangeet: I suggest that your meaning and interpretation are wrong. What does “righteousness” mean?

Ibrahim: Her right and her God’s right.

Ibrahim, testifying as a witness for defendant Kamarul Zaman Yusoff, also agreed that Yeoh had never challenged the status of Islam as the religion of the federation or any state.

Yeoh is suing Kamarul, a Universiti Utara Malaysia lecturer, for defamation over two Facebook posts he uploaded on May 10 and 17, 2017, in which he alleged that she was seeking to “proselytise Christianity through her politics”. He also claimed that she “intends to convert Malaysia into a Christian country”.

Yeoh is seeking general, aggravated and exemplary damages from Kamarul.

I bought book when issue turned ‘sensational’, says NGO head

Another defence witness in the case admitted not taking any action to prevent the sale of the book despite it being published 11 years ago.

Aminuddin Yahaya, who heads a group of NGO leaders known as Gabungan Nasionalis, said he had long been aware that Yeoh’s book was on sale in the country. He also agreed that the book had not been banned by the government.

He said he only bought a copy to read after the book became a “sensational” issue in 2017.

“I don’t know if the religious authorities took any action,” he said, when questioned by Sangeet.

Asked under cross-examination whether he had filed any police report of his own over the contents of Yeoh’s book, Aminuddin said he could not recall.

Sangeet: I suggest, since there was no action from religious authorities or government, the book is not (considered) a threat?

Aminuddin: I disagree.

Sangeet: So, why didn’t you file any legal action against the government (to have the book banned)?

Aminuddin: I do not have money.

Aminuddin also denied suggesting that Kamarul publish the impugned police report he made against Yeoh on Facebook.

He also said his claim that the contents of Yeoh’s book had violated federal and state laws was merely an “opinion”.

Aminuddin, an auditor by profession, said he has known Kamarul for more than 10 years.

He also acknowledged that there was no record of Yeoh being convicted in court for any offence.

The hearing continues before Justice Aliza Sulaiman on Feb 6.