Veteran DAP leader Lim Kit Siang today settled his defamation suit against New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd for wrongly quoting him during the Galas by-election.

NONE However, the amount to be paid in the settlement was not disclosed.

Lim's lawyer Sangeet Kaur relayed this to reporters after appearing before judicial commissioner Dr Prasad Sandosham Abraham in his chambers at the High Court in Kuala Lumpur this morning.

"The parties are to appear before the court on Aug 17 to record the terms of settlement," Sangeet told reporters outsitde the court.

" If terms are met we will withdraw the suit on that date . "

NSTP was represented by Liew Teck Huat.

Lim had filed the suit on Nov 8, last year on a Berita Harian report with the heading Tindakan Kit Siang tuduh Umno kafir melampau (Kit Siang's action in accusing Umno as infidel is out of line).

The report quoted Malacca chief minister Mohd Ali Rustam as saying that Lim made the assertion in his speech at Kesedar Sungai Terah, in Gua Musang, Kelantan, when the veteran DAP leader and Ipoh Timur MP had not been there.

Lim in his statement of claim said the report could be construed to mean that he had interfered in Islamic affairs and that he was guilty of sedition in making the remark.

'Reported directed to lower my self-esteem'

Another possible meaning, the statement claimed, was that Lim intended to sow hatred in a plural society and that he was an irresponsible politician.

Lim also said in his claim that the report was directed to lower his self-esteem and position, and sought general and aggravated damages for libel, as well as interest and costs of the action.

He also said a one paragraph ralat (correction) published by Berita Harian could be used as an admission of its guilt.

 

"I am unconvinced and unimpressed with what is published. There is no remorse. You need a microscope to find it," Lim said in describing the "correction" at a press conference today.

Following the report, three DAP officials filed police reports against the daily.

Lim, in his immediate response, said Berita Harian and the mainstream media should be careful and responsible in what they report.