Khairy filed a lawsuit against Rasyiq Alwi in 2022 for alleging that he had “lied” about his vaccination status.

Justice Raja Ahmad Mohzanuddin Shah Raja Mohzan held that Rasyiq’s remarks against Khairy were false and had tarnished the former minister’s reputation.

“The defendant (Rasyiq) also blatantly disregarded the court’s courtesy by attempting to delay the trial and today’s decision by filing an application to reopen the case.

“The court will not tolerate his attempt to scuttle the case,” he added.

The hearing had proceeded without Rasyiq being present although Khairy’s lawyers had notified the preacher of the hearing dates.

Today, the court held that Rasyiq had taken Khairy’s statements on the government’s Covid-19 vaccination drive out of context.

“It was irresponsible for the defendant to create doubt on the plaintiff and government’s efforts to combat Covid-19. Statements like this demoralised frontliners (healthcare workers),” Raja Mohzanuddin said.

The court awarded Khairy RM2 million in general damages, RM250,000 in aggravated damages and another RM250,00 in exemplary damages.

Khairy later told reporters that the decision was not just a victory for him but also for the frontliners who had served during the pandemic.

“His remarks implicated not only me but also those who were involved in combating Covid-19. (In my opinion) the court has sent a message that any defamatory remarks made during a crisis should be penalised,” he said.

His lawyer Abdul Rashid Ismail said they would obtain the court order today and take all necessary measures to enforce the judgment.