Social media user held liable for defaming Saifuddin

2026-03-16 - 08:34

PH secretary-general Safiuddin Nasution Ismail claimed that Zubair Ismail used his TikTok channel and Facebook page to tarnish his reputation. PETALING JAYA: The High Court in Alor Setar, Kedah, has found a social media user liable for defaming Pakatan Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail after he failed to appear in court. Saifuddin’s lawyer, SN Nair, said a judgment in default was obtained, with a sealed order issued last week. Nair said the order was granted by Justice Johan Lee on Dec 8 last year, following Saifuddin’s application with an affidavit in support. “The plaintiff’s claims for general damages, aggravated damages and exemplary damages are allowed, subject to assessment by the court,” he said in a statement today. Nair said a hearing date will be fixed to determine the quantum. In the suit filed last May, Saifuddin claimed that Zubair Ismail, who goes by “Tam Jebat” on social media, had used his TikTok channel and Facebook page to tarnish his reputation. He claimed that Zubair had accused him of orchestrating raids by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) on the Kedah Football Association last year, among others, in three Facebook posts and a TikTok video. Saifuddin, who is also the home minister, said the statements were false, malicious and defamatory, and tried to portray him as a leader who abused his power and was morally unfit to hold public office. He said the statements had affected his reputation, integrity, and political career, causing public ridicule and harassment online. One post, with a photo captioned “Pokka hantaq SPRM LHDN mai serbu kelab bola Kedah. Berselerak habis sponsor” (Saifuddin sent MACC and LHDN to investigate the Kedah football club. All the sponsors are gone now), directly referenced him and falsely suggested misuse of ministerial powers. Another TikTok video, which received over 65,000 views, allegedly mocked Saifuddin for a one-off RM200,000 contribution to football players for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, implying it was merely for show, compared to the monthly aid from Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Nor. Saifuddin also claimed Zubair defamed him by linking him to “thieving cronies” and making false accusations against the Kedah menteri besar regarding rare earth theft and road maintenance funds. He said Zubair acted in bad faith, made baseless claims, and refused to apologise despite the opportunity. Besides seeking damages and an injunction to further statements, Saifuddin had sought for ther removal of the posts and a deterrent sentence for the defendant.