What was the alleged libelous statement made by Datuk Mahfuz Omar?

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Datuk Mahfuz Omar Was Ordered to Pay Compensation After a Defamation Suit Over Alleged Government Aid for Ceramah

Datuk Dr Hasan Mohamed Ali will receive RM200,000 in compensation after winning a defamation suit against Datuk Mahfuz Omar. The suit stemmed from a statement made by Mahfuz, a Member of Parliament, alleging that Hasan was receiving government aid to fund his ceramah (lectures or talks). The High Court found that Mahfuz's statement was issued with a "mischievous intention" and could lead to Hasan being stigmatised.
Statement Alleged Receipt of Government Aid for Ceramah

Hasan, the former president of Jalur Tiga Malaysia (Jati), filed the suit on April 12, 2012, after Mahfuz, a former Vice-President of PAS, made the controversial claim. The statement was issued during a media conference on March 2, 2012, and subsequently published in various newspapers and online news portals. Hasan sought general compensation, exemplary damages, and an injunction to prevent Mahfuz from repeating the alleged libelous words.
Court Found Statement Capable of Causing Stigma

In her judgment, High Court Judge Datuk Nor Bee Ariffin determined that the statement, when read in its entirety, could cause Hasan to be stigmatised. The court felt that such a statement could lead to Hasan being perceived as an insincere individual and thus unqualified for political office. The ruling indicated that the natural and normal interpretation of Mahfuz's words could indeed convey the negative implications highlighted by Hasan in his claim.
Mahfuz Ordered to Pay RM30,000 in Costs

In addition to the RM200,000 in compensation, the court also ordered Mahfuz to pay RM30,000 to Hasan for legal costs. While the plaintiff and defendant were not present for the court's decision, their legal representatives were present during the proceedings. The case highlights the serious repercussions of defamatory statements, particularly within the political arena.

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What was the alleged libelous statement made by Datuk Mahfuz Omar?

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