The High Court in Kuala Lumpur wants Bersih 2.0 chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah and red-shirt leader Jamal Md Yunos, who alleged Bersih is linked to Islamic State, to look into the possibility of settling their defamation suit.

Justice Mohd Zaki Abdul Wahab wants the parties to explore the possibility when the case came up for case management in chambers today.

Maria's lawyer Melissa Sasidaran informed this to reporters.

"Parties are advised to try to settle the matter. The next case management has been fixed on Jan 9.

Melissa said she would seek instructions from Maria on the matter.

Maria, when met later at the court filing by four Universiti Malaya students to challenge the disciplinary action against them, said she and Bersih would think about it.

“It is a serious allegation made against Bersih, for citing it is involved in terrorism. They are accusing me of terrorism that led to my detention (under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012,” she said, adding that this was a normal procedure by the court to ask parties to explore a settlement.

Jamal's lawyer Mohd Nasir Yusof when met confirmed what had transpired in chambers.

“The court asked parties to seriously consider settling the matter,” Mohd Nasir said, adding that he would seek instructions from his client.

The Bersih chairperson filed the suit on Jamal's claim that the coalition for clean and free elections was infiltrated by IS.

Jamal made the allegations against Bersih at a press conference on Sept 28, and again on Oct 4 when he lodged a police report on the matter.