Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan
KOTA KINABALU: Incumbent Tanjung Batu Assemblyman Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan has firmly rejected a letter of demand issued by Albert Tei, describing the legal threat as baseless and intended to silence his duty to speak on matters of public concern.
Nizam said his position was “clear and unwavering,” adding that his remarks were made in the public interest, are substantially true and delivered on an occasion of qualified privilege.
He stressed that as an elected representative, he holds a responsibility to raise issues of importance to the people of Sabah and he is prepared to fully justify his statements at the appropriate forum.
“The factual basis for my comments is a matter of public record,” he said in a statement today, referring to the background of the individual issuing the threat.
Nizam pointed out that the said individual faces serious legal and ethical matters, including being charged under Section 16(b)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 for offering bribes, being sued by Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd for fraud and conspiracy to injure, and having his self-proclaimed status as a “whistleblower” refuted by the MACC, which confirmed his involvement in the offence.
“It is a fundamental principle that a defamation action requires a reputation to protect. Given the serious charges and legal admissions already on public record, any claim of a damaged reputation is without merit.”
He added that should legal proceedings be initiated, the question of whether the claimant has a reputation worthy of protection would be determined by the court.
Nizam reaffirmed his commitment to defending the interests of Sabah and its people against individuals attempting to undermine the State Government and its agencies.
He has instructed his solicitors to vigorously defend against any claim and to file a counterclaim if legal proceedings proceed.
