Coach’s defamation suit against Caprice to proceed to trial

Personal development coach Syed Murad Syed Naseem filed a defamation suit against influencer Ariz Ramli on August 4th last year. The case, now set to proceed to a full trial, involves allegations that Caprice, Ariz's real name, posted false and malicious content on Instagram portraying Syed as involved in criminal activities and organised crime. Syed claims his reputation and dignity were severely damaged due to these publications, noting that Caprice has over 1.5 million followers on the platform.

Both parties failed to reach an amicable settlement, with Syed's lawyer M Reza Hassan stating that mediation was unsuccessful as his client did not agree to the proposed terms. The mediation session, which lasted nearly four hours, took place on July 31st and included both Syed and Caprice. The next case management hearing is scheduled for September 7th, where the court will review the filing of the cause papers.

The High Court had previously recorded a consent order on November 8th compelling Caprice to remove and withdraw nine defamatory statements from his Instagram account. The order was upheld after Caprice agreed to comply and refrain from making further remarks or representations against Syed. However, the substantive defamation suit remains ongoing, and Syed has expressed his desire for the case to proceed to a full trial to clear his name and restore his reputation.