KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court today ordered prominent businessman and cosmetics entrepreneur Datuk Seri Aliff Syukri Kamaruzaman to pay RM250,000 in damages to former Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir.
In addition to the damages, Aliff Syukri was also ordered to pay RM50,000 in legal costs to the plaintiff. Judge Datuk Roslan Mat Nor allowed the defamation suit filed by Abdul Kadir and issued an injunction restraining Aliff Syukri, his officers, agents or representatives from publishing or republishing the defamatory statements or any similar allegations.
The court further ordered Aliff Syukri to remove all defamatory content related to Abdul Kadir from his social media platforms within seven days. He must also provide a written undertaking that he will not publish or cause the publication of any further defamatory statements against Abdul Kadir.
Judge Roslan emphasised the importance of personal reputation, stating that a person’s dignity and good name are priceless and cannot be measured by money alone. He described Abdul Kadir as an experienced politician who had served in the Federal Cabinet and remains active in business and politics. Meanwhile, Aliff Syukri is well-known as a social media influencer with millions of followers.
Background of the Case
Abdul Kadir, 86, filed the lawsuit on 6 September 2023, seeking RM70 million in damages. He claimed that Aliff Syukri, 39, made defamatory statements on Instagram and Facebook on 2 July 2023 that implied he owed millions of ringgit to Aliff Syukri. The statements were accompanied by Abdul Kadir’s photo, which allegedly invited negative comments and damaged his reputation.
In his defence, Aliff Syukri claimed he had invested RM30 million under a joint venture agreement dated 26 November 2018 involving Abdul Kadir and two companies. He alleged that the parties failed to fulfil their obligations, including repaying the funds.
However, Judge Roslan ruled that if Aliff Syukri had a valid claim, he should have pursued it through the proper legal channels.
The case has attracted significant public attention as it involves influential figures and a multi-million ringgit investment debt dispute. The decision is expected to serve as a reminder of the responsibility social media influencers have when making public statements.
