Blogger Zaharin says sorry to MRCB over defamatory posts

(The Star) – Blogger and Umno member Zaharin Mohd Yassin has apologised to Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB) for defamatory posts on his Facebook account last year.

In a series of captioned pictures posted to a public Facebook album Friday, Zaharin admitted that the statements had no basis, and expressed regret for posting them.

He also apologised to MRCB for any inconvenience caused or losses suffered as a result of the defamation, and promised to not be involved in repeating, making, airing or publishing of the posts or similarly defamatory statements about MRCB, whether directly or indirectly.

The statement of apology will be displayed for 30 days from date of publication, as agreed in court.

In his posts on Aug 3 and Aug 5 last year, Zaharin had accused the construction conglomerate of neglecting Malays and the bumiputra agenda.

MRCB denied it and said his attacks stemmed from a demand for financial contributions, which was rejected.

In his own post on Aug 3, Zaharin admitted that he had asked for political contributions from MRCB group managing director Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din, who had turned him down.

By Zaharin’s own admission, Salim denied the request on grounds that it is inappropriate for MRCB, as a public-listed company, to make political donations.

The company is also duty-bound to protect the interest of shareholders, including major shareholder Employees Provident Fund (EPF).

On Aug 10, MRCB served a letter of demand on Zaharin, giving him 24 hours to delete the post and apologise.

His refusal caused the start of legal proceedings, with the claim filed at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Aug 12.

However, both parties came to an amicable agreement Friday before High Court judge Justice Datuk Noraini Abd Rahman.

Zaharin agreed to withdraw the two statements and apologise on his Facebook page within seven days.

MRCB was represented by Dhinesh Bhaskaran of Messrs Shearn Delamore & Co. Zaharin was unrepresented.