Kuala lumpur: The 2022 defamation suit filed by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad against former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak over a Facebook post alleging nepotism involving the health minister's daughter's appointment to a government-linked trust body was resolved in the High Court here today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Najib's counsel, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, informed Judge Mahazan Mat Taib that the matter had been resolved, with his client having prepared a statement following discussions with Dzulkefly. Najib then read his statement, acknowledging that his post was perceived to imply nepotism on Dzulkefly's part regarding his daughter's appointments. Najib clarified that this was not his intention and expressed his well wishes to Dzulkefly and his family.

Right after Najib read the statement, Dzulkefly's counsel, Stanley Sebastian Sinnappen, informed the court that no further prayers would be sought, and the case would not proceed. Judge Mahazan thanked the parties for reaching a settlement, emphasizing the value of court time and encouraging resolutions when possible.

The trial began on Tuesday, with Dzulkefly completing his testimony yesterday. Today marked the third day of proceedings, during which Najib's counsel was scheduled to cross-examine Nurul Iman. Dzulkefly filed the suit in January 2022, claiming that Najib's Facebook post implied nepotism and was politically motivated to damage his reputation. Najib, in his defense, argued that the post was directed at the Pakatan Harapan coalition, not at Dzulkefly personally.