By John Chin

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: A consent judgment was entered at the Shah Alam High Court against one of the defendants in a conspiracy to cause economic damage suit filed by Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB) over social media postings concerning the demolition and redevelopment of the Shah Alam Stadium.

The suit was brought by MRCB against self proclaimed activist Abdul Razak Ismail and blogger Murray Hunter over a series of posts published on Facebook and Hunter's Substack platform questioning the stadium demolition and subsequent redevelopment project.

Following cross-examination of Abdul Razak by MRCB's counsel Datuk Selva Mookiah, proceedings were paused, where Abdul Razak subsequently agreed to a consent judgment.

Under the terms recorded before Judicial Commissioner Shoba Rajah, Abdul Razak agreed to a permanent injunction restraining him from publishing or republishing the impugned allegations.

He also undertook to remove all relevant postings that formed the subject matter of the suit within 72 hours.

In addition, he undertook not to repeat the allegations and further agreed not to conspire with Hunter or any other parties in relation to the publication of similar allegations concerning the claims.

Speaking to reporters after the proceedings, Selva said the action against Hunter, who is believed to be in Thailand (based on media reports) would be pursued.

Hunter is being sued in absentia and did not participate in the proceedings.

According to Selva, the court has fixed July 10th for submissions by the plaintiff in relation to the claim against Hunter.

With July 17 scheduled for judgment, hearing dates on June 23 and 24 have been vacated.

Abdul Razak was represented by Rajesh Nagarajan.

MRCB had commenced legal proceedings against both defendants, stating that a series of online publications concerning the Shah Alam Stadium project amounted to economic sabotage, causing damage to the company.

This is not the first time that Abdul Razak had been caught in MRCB's cross hairs.

In 2023 he had to apologise to MRCB in a defamation suit brought by the latter over a press statement and remarks on social media on the same project.

Abdul Razak then the secretary general of the Green Party agreed to retract his remarks and apologise in court, in another consent judgment settlement.