Kuala lumpur: A senior Malaysian Armed Forces officer, Vice Admiral Datuk Sabri Zali, has filed a defamation lawsuit against political activist Badrul Hisham Shaharin, known as Chegubard. The legal action was initiated at the High Court in Kuala Lumpur due to the defendant's failure to respond to a letter of demand requesting the retraction of allegedly defamatory statements.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Vice Admiral Datuk Sabri has emphasized that he has never been charged, convicted, or found guilty of any corruption, abuse of power, or misconduct as alleged by the defendant. These accusations, according to Sabri's lawyer Muhamad Firdaus Jumaludin, have the potential to mislead public perception regarding Sabri's service as a senior military officer.

The statement of claim highlights that between July 2024 and December 2025, the defendant repeatedly disseminated material on social media accusing Sabri of corruption, abuse of power, and a lack of integrity. These allegations, according to Sabri, portray him as unfit for high office within the Armed Forces.

Furthermore, Sabri, who is also the president of the National Defence Education Centre, asserts that the accusations lack any basis, are false, and defamatory. He points out that the claims were made without any court judgment, prosecution, or official confirmation from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission or any other authority. Sabri notes that the defendant has admitted to relying on documents from an unknown source, which were not properly verified.

Sabri also claims that the defendant openly admitted an intent to sabotage his appointment as Navy Chief, indicating that the publications were made with malice rather than in the public interest. Consequently, Sabri seeks a declaration that the statements are defamatory, an injunction to prevent further publication, and appropriate damages for the harm caused to his reputation, dignity, and professional standing.