Former Prime Minister Najib Razak is seeking an apology and RM10 million in damages from former Attorney-General Tommy Thomas over allegations made in the latter's memoir, titled 'My Story: Justice in the Wilderness.'

According to a report in The Star, a letter of demand Najib had served to Thomas through law firm Shafee & Co yesterday, cited Chapter 42 in Thomas' book as having made defamatory statements against the former premier in regards to the death of Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu.

In that chapter, Thomas had conveyed the message to readers that irrespective of the court's decisions, Najib was still somehow involved in Altantuya's murder, the letter claimed.

Hence, the statements were "negligent, reckless, irresponsible, deliberate, malicious and aimed to lower Najib's esteem and good reputation in the eyes of the public, and further expose him to public hatred, scorn, odium, contempt and ridicule.

"Your impugned statements of our client portraying him as a murderer by direct inference and innuendo are wholly untrue, false, frivolous, vexatious and devoid of substance nor evidence," read the letter.

The letter further charged that Thomas' statements on Najib in the book were motivated by mala fide, and to seek cheap publicity.

Thus, Thomas should issue a public apology to Najib in newspapers of Najib's choice, and undertake not to repeat the allegations, as well as pay RM10 million in damaged for the injury caused to Najib's reputation, it added.

Thomas has until Friday afternoon to reply to the demands, failing which a libel suit against him would be initiated.


Source: The Star
Photo source: Astro Awani