SHAH ALAM: A 19-year-old youth is suing businessman Datuk Khalid Mohamad Jiwa, better known as Datuk K, for defamation and assault.

Muhammed Kasheef Harris Sivapatham claimed Khalid had not only tarnished his character by labelling him a drug dealer, but he had also slapped and punched him causing injuries to his face.

Khalid is the husband of singer Datuk Siti Nurhaliza Taruddin. The plaintiff is a friend of Khalid’s son, Mohamed Adib Khalid.

He filed the suit through Messrs Gobind Singh Deo & Co, at the High Court Registry here yesterday.

Muhammed Kasheef’s statement of claim contained several allegations made by the defendant including that he was a drug dealer, a liar and should not mix with his son.
According to the statement, Muhammed Kasheef received two SMSes at 11.18pm on March 17, from Mohamed Adib, saying that Khalid wanted to see him at the latter’s home in Bukit Antarabangsa, Ampang.

The plaintiff said he went to the house and as soon as he arrived, he claimed Khalid accused him of being a drug pusher and forced him to admit it. He said that at that time Khalid was angry with his son and was looking for a reason to scare the plaintiff so that he would no longer associate with Mohamed Adib.

Muhammed Kasheef claimed Khalid assaulted him and he suffered injuries and bruises to his eye, cheek and ear.

He said Khalid then violated his rights when he ordered him to give his urine sample, which later tested negative. Subsequently, Khalid drove him home.

Muhammed Kasheef is now seeking a declaration that Khalid had illegally detained him between 11.30pm on March 17 and 1am on March 18 and an injunction to stop Khalid or his agents from physically assaulting him pending this case.

He is claiming general, special and aggravated damages, costs and other relief deemed fit by the court.

Meanwhile, in a Press statement, Khalid said he was not surprised the suit was brought against him and he knew there was a personal agenda to tarnish his reputation.

The suit, he said, will give him the chance to defend himself and reveal the truth in court.

“I have instructed my lawyers to file a statement of defence and will also be taking action against other parties who are involved in slandering me. I believe in the justice system and have confidence that the truth will prevail.”

On 14th April2007