KUALA LUMPUR, 18 Mar: The former Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan has agreed to submit an apology to the Selangor Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, regarding a defamation suit involving the purchase of sacrificial cattle in 2009.
The full decision as well as an apology will be made tomorrow at 9.00am at the Kuala Lumpur High Court after both parties reach an agreement today.
Abdul Khalid who was met after the trial, behind closed doors in the room of Judge Lau Bee Lan, was thankful that the accusations of misusing power associated with him has finally unfold.
“This development proves that the allegations of misuse of power was unfounded and was only intended to discredit my reputation as a Muslim and also the Chief Minister of Selangor.
“My family, especially my wife (Datin Seri) Salbiah Tunut and my children are very grateful to the Almighty because this case really affected us when our family was pictures as people who were willing to abuse power in the issue of Islamic affairs which is the practice of the Aidiladha sacrifice,” said Abdul Khalid who was accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Salbiah Tunut.
Senior Federal Counsel Noorin Badaruddin, Nadia Hanim Azlina represented the former MACC Commissioner, Datuk Ahmad Said Hamdan, the MACC and the Malaysian Government.
Meanwhile lawyers S Sankaranair Kalidass represented Abdul Khalid.
Abdul Khalid was charged in early 2009 for abusing power to donate RM110,400 for the purpose of sacrificing cattle during the Eid al-Adha celebrations in Bandar Tun Razak.
The Chief Minister also urged government officials, the MACC and the police to carry out their duties professionally and to not allow themselves to be influenced by any party that has their own agenda.
He added, as Chief Minister, he prioritises management integrity and has been happy that throughout his five years of administration, there has not been a senior government officer or any of the Selangor Exco members who have been linked to misuse of power.
He added that hopefully this excellent record will give the people confidence to make a decision in the 13th General Elections.