Ganabatirau sues Firdaus Wong over ‘loyalty’ posts

Klang MP V Ganabatirau has initiated a defamation lawsuit against preacher Firdaus Wong over posts on social media. The Klang representative alleges that the July 28 posts on Firdaus' Facebook and Instagram pages questioned his loyalty to Malaysia. Ganabatirau contends that the remarks tarnished his reputation and integrity as an elected official.

The lawsuit claims Firdaus questioned Ganabatirau's earnestness in requesting greater flexibility for Malaysians of Indian descent during a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The posts also labeled OCI as an "Overseas Indian Citizen Card" and concluded with a sarcastic remark implying doubt in Ganabatirau's loyalty.

The MP asserts that the post suggested his loyalty was divided between Malaysia and India, prioritizing India's interests over Malaysia's. Ganabatirau submitted a letter of demand on August 4, requesting a retraction, apology, and post removal. He alleges that Firdaus refused to comply and publicly defended his statements. Ganabatirau seeks general, aggravated, and exemplary damages, injunction to stop further publication, removal of the posts, and a public apology. The legal action was filed at the High Court yesterday through law firm SN Nair & Partners.