Mahfuz loses in Sanusi’s Vellfire defamation suit, told to pay RM280,000

Court sides with Kedah MB in the case of Amanah VP accusing plaintiff of buying vehicle for personal use

The Alor Star High Court has ruled in favour of Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor (right) in his defamation suit against Amanah vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar (left), who was told to pay RM280,000 for accusing the Kedah Menteri Besar of buying a Toyota Vellfire for personal use. – File pic, January 31, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR – Amanah vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar has to dish out RM280,000 after losing the defamation suit filed by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.

Sanusi had sued Mahfuz after the former Pokok Sena MP accused him of buying a Toyota Vellfire with the number plate KEP 5000 for his personal use.

The Alor Star High Court today ruled that Mahfuz had to pay RM200,000 in general damages, exemplary damages of RM50,000 and RM30,000 in costs to Sanusi.

Judge Arik Sanusi Yeok Johari also allowed Mahfuz to apply for a stay on the payment pending an official application, reported Malaysiakini.

Several years ago, Sanusi said the purchase was carried out by the Syarikat Air Darul Aman (Sada) asset acquisition committee in accordance with the budget given.

The vehicle was bought and used by Sada board members and senior officials. – January 31, 2024