SHAH ALAM, 31 May: The former Chairman of the People’s Anti-Corruption Movement (GERAK), Mohd Nazree Mohd Yunus today made an apology to Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim for his two accusations against the Selangor Chief Minister in 2009.
The first apology refereed to Mohd Nazree’s earlier statement claiming the Abdul Khalid abused his power and used public money to pay for the maintenance and to purchase car accessories and spare parts for his personally owned car.
Meanwhile, the second apology refereed to Mohd Nazree’s claims that Abdul Khalid used the Selangor Government money to pay for the purchase of 46 sacrificial cattle worth RM110,400 for the Eid al-Adha celebrations at Bandar Tun Razak.
“Indeed, in good faith and sincerity, I apologise to Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim for the two statements I issued as the Chairman of GERAK entitled “Gerak Malaysia Media Statement: On Corrupt Practices and Abuse of Power of the Selangor Chief Minister” dated 21 January 2009 and the “Gerak Malaysia Media Statement: Report of Power Abuse by the Selangor Chief Minister” on February 2009.
“I admit that both press statements tainted, marred and undermined his good name, reputation, image and integrity as the Chief Minister of Selangor.
“I admit that i regret for making untrue press statements about him. I promise not repeat the act of issuing defamatory words in the future,” he said.
Mohd Nazree read the apology in front of the Shah Alam High COurr Judge, Datuk Dr Badariah Sahamid.
As also the defendant of the case, he agreed to publish the apology on the front page of the Sinar Harian newspaper within 14 days.
Meanwhile, when interviewed, Abdul Khalid said that he receives Mohd Nazree’s apology openly and will not claim any compensation.
“I accept his apology and hope that he will continue efforts as someone who is interested in politics.
“That way, we can show that justice is an ongoing effort and I think this lesson will strengthen his quality of life as a believer in one’s own ability,” he said when met outside the courtroom.
On March 24, Abdul Khalid filed two suits at the High Court against Mohd Nazree through his lawyer, Sankara Nair.
The action was due to Mohd Nazree’s refusal to withdraw, apologise and pay compensation for both the statements.