The Alor Setar High Court has ordered Datuk Zamil Ibrahim and former aide to Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Mukhlis Maghribi, to pay RM483,000 to independent preacher Ahmad Husam Baderudin, better known as Ustaz Husam.

The ruling followed the court’s decision to allow Husam’s entire lawsuit concerning alleged threats and defamatory statements.

Court finds elements of threats and defamation against Ustaz Husam

Husam’s lawyer said the court found that elements of threats and defamation existed against his client. Besides the compensation and costs, both defendants were ordered to remove social media posts deemed defamatory.

They must also issue an apology to Husam within 14 days following the court’s order.

The case highlights the growing legal consequences surrounding statements made on social media, particularly when allegations involve public figures and reputational harm.

The RM483,000 award covers damages and legal costs, while the court’s order to remove the posts and issue an apology adds further obligations on the two defendants. The ruling was delivered by High Court judge Datuk Mohd Aimi Zaini.