Tajuddin demands apology from Khairul Azwan over slanderous statement
IPOH - Former Pasir Salak MP Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, has issued a demand for Khairul Azwan Harun to apologise within a period of seven days publicly.
Tajuddin stated that this demand arose after Khairul, who is also the Pasir Salak Umno division chief, accused him of sabotaging the campaign in that division during the 15th General Election (GE15) last year.
"I have engaged a lawyer to send a letter of demand to Azwan, and I am giving him one week to issue a public apology.
"If he fails to retract his statement and apologise within this timeframe, I will instruct my lawyer to proceed with legal action against him," he said during a press conference held today in Ipoh.
Tajuddin said he will also submit a complaint to Umno disciplinary board so that further action could be taken.
"Defamation is a serious offense, and we cannot simply accept it. The Disciplinary Board must take action in this matter, and we are prepared to present the evidence," he added.
Tajuddin claimed that he did not engage in the alleged actions as claimed by Khairul, but instead, he had worked to support the party throughout the campaign period, with the aim of securing victory for the BN candidate.
"Many people had witnessed what I did during the 14 days of going on the field to the rural areas and the district voting centres.
"I spent over RM1 million to launch the election machinery back then. When they lost, he blamed me for not supporting them. These are baseless accusations," he clarified.
On his suspension as Umno member, Tajuddin revealed that various efforts had been made, including his wife, Datin Seri Rohkiah Abd Samat, meeting with Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
"I have submitted an appeal three times, as well as numerous verbal appeals. I have met and shown respect to Zahid by kissing his hand.
"My supporters have also met him, and even Wanita Umno has raised the matter.
"I have diligently fulfilled my role as Umno's election director. I have been with Umno for 50 years, and I will not leave Umno. Umno has contributed significantly to my life," he said.
On Wednesday, Sinar had reported Khairul saying he wanted Umno Supreme Council to reject Tajuddin's appeal to revoke his suspension.
Khairul has claimed that the former Umno Pasir Salak division chief continuously spoke ill of the party's leadership.
In the same statement, Khairul also wanted to ensure Umno Supreme Council to reject Tajuddin's appeal.
Tajuddin, on June 9, revealed that he had submitted an appeal letter three times to lift his suspension, but there was no reply.
However, Zahid, in his closing speech at Umno General Assembly, said the party was open to accepting its members who were sacked or suspended.
