Kota Kinabalu: Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Information Chief Datuk Nizam Bin Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Titingan rejected, through his solicitors, a letter of demand issued by businessman Albert Tei.
Nizam described the legal notice as a baseless threat, asserting that he will vigorously defend his right and duty to speak on matters of public interest.
He maintained that his remarks were made in good faith, in the public interest, and on an occasion of qualified privilege.
“My statements were substantially true and based on verified public information. As a public official, it is my duty to speak out on issues that affect the people of Sabah,” he said in a statement.
Nizam stressed that the basis of his comments is already a matter of public record.
He pointed out that the individual who issued the legal threat (Tei) is currently facing serious legal and ethical challenges — including being charged under Section 16(b)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 for offering bribes, and sued by Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd for fraud and conspiracy to injure.
He further noted that Tei’s claim of being a whistleblower was publicly refuted by the MACC, which confirmed that the individual was directly involved in the alleged offence.
Nizam added that in any defamation action, a claimant must demonstrate that they have a reputation worth protecting.
“Given the serious criminal charges and civil suits currently on record, any claim of a damaged reputation is without merit. Should legal proceedings be initiated, the question of reputation will be determined by the court,” he said.
He reiterated his commitment to defending the interests of Sabah.
“I remain steadfast in defending Sabah’s interests against individuals who attempt to undermine the State Government and its agencies,” Nizam affirmed.
Nizam confirmed that he has instructed his legal team to vigorously defend any claim and to file a counterclaim should legal proceedings be initiated.
