RPK ordered to pay RM1 mil to Umno treasurer

Popular blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin has been ordered by the Kuala Lumpur High Court to pay RM1 million in damages to Umno treasurer Abdul Azim Mohd Zabidi.

Senior assistant registrar Nor Hatini Abdul Hamid made the ruling yesterday after allowing Abdul Azim’s application for a judgment in default against Raja Petra.

The order followed the Malaysia Today editor’s failure to enter an appearance during the civil proceedings.

Nor Hatini ordered Raja Petra to pay RM500,000 in general damages, another RM300,000 in aggravated damages and RM200,000 in exemplary damages.

The suit was brought by Abdul Azim in his personal capacity against Raja Petra for publishing two libellous articles on the website.

Lawyer Sunil Abraham told reporters the court made the decision after Raja Petra failed to enter an appearance and also failed to file the statement of defence.

Abdul Azim obtained a judgment in default against the blogger on Aug 8 last year but the damages were assessed yesterday

In his statement of claim, Abdul Azim who is the Bukit Bintang Umno division chief, claimed the two libellous articles were titled ‘A Scam By Any Other Name, Smells Just as Foul’, and the ‘New Member of Parliament for Putrajaya – Azim Zabidi’.

Portrayed as a crook, unclean politician and dishonest

Abdul Azim claimed the first article and comments made by the readers portrayed or represented him as a crook, guilty of abusing and utilising his position in public office as the Umno treasurer to enrich himself.

He said it further alleged that he had used his position to swindle money and of having the resources to manipulate the judiciary in fixing cases.

He also alleged the article portrayed him as a scumbag and unfit to hold public office or the position of Umno treasurer.

For the second article, Abdul Azim said he was portrayed as an ‘Ali Baba’ front and a crook; a rent seeker and commercial agent; unfit to be an MP in the last election; he is not a clean politician; and he acted for BK Tan who is an underworld figure, and that he is dishonest, corrupt and unfit for public office.

Raja Petra could not be reached for comments.

Hafiz Yatim, Mkini