FT Minister Khalid Samad files lawsuit against activist

KUALA LUMPUR: Federal Territories Minister Khalid Samad (pix) has sued Muslim activist Wan Asshima Kamaruddin for alleging that he had organised a gay festival.
Khalid proceeded to file the lawsuit despite Asshima's apology and the removal of the video from her Facebook page.
In his suit, Khalid said the video which claimed that he and his family members were part of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) community, had caused him embarrassment and loss of credibility.
"In her statement, she had accused the plaintiff, in his capacity as Federal Territories Minister to have approved the largest gay festival to be held in Kuala Lumpur.
"She also alleged that he had violated religious laws as dictated by the Al-Quran and Sunnah," according to the lawsuit filed on Sept 13 through Messrs Mohamed Hanipa & Associates.
In his suit, Khalid said Asshima's statement was done in bad faith, with the intention to cause the public, especially the Muslim community, to hate him.
Khalid is seeking a written apology and for the apology to be published in Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian.
Previously, Khalid's officer Zulhazmi Shariff had lodged a police report against Asshima.
The minister had previously said he would proceed with the suit despite Asshima's apology, as he said, her apology was not sincere and that she did not show any remorse.