In a letter of demand issued by law firm Akberdin & Co to Hafiz Sahidi, Na’im’s lawyers said the social media post accusing the minister of ordering the closure of unregistered pondok schools was false, malicious and defamatory.
The letter demanded that Hafiz admit liability and withdraw the allegations made against the Na’im, and immediately remove all purportedly defamatory or false remarks from social media platforms and websites.
It also demanded that Hafiz cease publishing or circulating such statements and to issue an unreserved public apology within 48 hours of receiving the letter. The apology, the firm said, should remain visible on Hafiz’s social media accounts and websites for 30 days.
The letter also demanded a reasonable settlement offer within 48 hours to compensate Na’im for the damage, embarrassment, and humiliation arising from the statements.
Failure to comply would result in legal action seeking RM10 million in damages and an injunction barring Hafiz from publishing any further defamatory statements against the minister.
In his post, Hafiz had reportedly criticised Na’im for allegedly closing pondok schools while ignoring serious issues in national schools, such as rape, murder, bullying, and alcohol consumption.
Na’im’s lawyers said Hafiz’s post portrayed the minister as incompetent, unfit for office, and indifferent to moral and criminal misconduct in schools.
They added that the post also implied Na’im had acted against Islamic values and betrayed public trust, thus eroding confidence in the religious affairs ministry and the federal government.
“The defamatory statement is wholly untrue, baseless, and constitutes a gross defamation of our client’s character, integrity, and reputation, both in his personal and official capacities,” the letter stated.
“Your actions amount to a deliberate and malicious attack intended to undermine public confidence in our client and to expose him to public ridicule and contempt.”
Checks by FMT found that the Facebook post has since been removed.
On Oct 24, Bernama reported that Na’im denied claims circulating online that the federal government or departments under his purview had ordered the closure of unregistered pondok schools in Kelantan and Kedah.
He described the allegation as false, malicious, and defamatory, stressing that no such directive had been issued.