Zulkifli, the Jasin MP, read out a statement of apology to Fadhlina before sessions court judge Hilmiah Yusof. Zulkifli and Harakah agreed to pay RM15,000 in costs to Fadhlina.

“After reviewing the statements, we acknowledge that they gave rise to various interpretations and caused misunderstanding among the public towards Fadhlina, thereby affecting her reputation.

“In fact, schools were permitted to chant the ‘takbir’ and recite the ‘Qunut Nazilah’ during the Palestine Solidarity Week. We therefore apologise to Fadhlina for the statements,” Zulkifli told the court today.

On Nov 5, 2023, Zulkifli alleged that the ministry had banned the “takbir” and recitation of Islamic prayers during a Palestine Solidarity Week held in schools nationwide.

His remarks were made at a separate event held in solidarity with the Palestinians, and were published by the online portal Harakahdaily and the Harakah newspaper the following day.

Fadhlina, who is also the education minister, sued Zulkifli, Harakah publisher Galeri Media Serbanika Sdn Bhd, and Harakah’s then chief editor, Mazlan Jusoh.

Zulkifli told the court he and Harakah agreed to settle the dispute with Fadhlina as there were more important issues of national interest that required attention at this time.

They also promised not to repeat, republish, disseminate or comment on the said statements or make other statements of similar effect in any way or form.

Lawyers Ibrahim Mohamad and Nor Aziah Harun represented Fadhlina, while Yusfarizal Yusoff and Faizi Che Abu represented Zulkifli. Harakah was represented by Darwisy Roslan and Afifah Latiff.

Speaking to reporters later, Fadhlina said she was relieved that Zulkifli and Harakah decided to apologise for their comments, adding that it was important for her to clear her name.

“I wanted them to apologise to me, and today I got it,” she said.

Fadhlina, who is the Nibong Tebal MP, also said she would donate the RM15,000 to the “Solidariti Palestin” campaign in Jasin.