Datuk Seri Jamal Md Yunos issued a public apology to former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin before the High Court in Kuala Lumpur on May 22, 2026, settling a defamation suit between them [1, 2, 3]. The suit began when Khairy filed legal action on May 24, 2023, over defamatory remarks Jamal made at a media conference during the 2022 Umno General Assembly held on January 14, 2022 [1, 2, 3].
In court, Jamal admitted that his allegations against Khairy were false, unfounded, and lacked evidence [1, 2, 3]. He acknowledged that his statements implied Khairy lacked integrity, was unfit as a leader, and was involved in corrupt practices. Jamal admitted these claims were wholly false [1, 2, 3]. He also admitted falsely alleging that Khairy had hired or paid delegates to boo or heckle speakers at the media conference [1, 2, 3].
Jamal said, "I sincerely regret the publication and dissemination of the said statements, which have caused distress, public contempt and injury to Khairy's reputation, character and credibility. Accordingly, I hereby retract fully all defamatory statements I issued against Khairy during the media conference and in the said publication" [1]. He added, "I acknowledge that my statements during the media conference and in the said publication bore the meaning or imputation that Khairy is a person lacking integrity, is unfit as a leader, and was involved in corrupt practices, all of which are wholly false and without foundation" [1].
He agreed to immediately and permanently remove the video recording of the media conference and any related publications from his Facebook and TikTok accounts, ensuring they are no longer accessible to the public [1, 2, 3]. Jamal further undertook not to repeat or republish any similar or equivalent defamatory statements against Khairy in the future [1, 2, 3].
Judge Datuk Anand Ponnudurai recorded a consent judgment based on settlement terms agreed upon by both parties [1, 2, 3]. Khairy's counsel Harshaan Muhammad Zamani confirmed that both sides agreed to settle the matter based on the resolution reached [2, 3].
The original defamatory remarks were made at Jamal’s media conference at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre during the 2022 Umno General Assembly [2, 3]. The case closed with Jamal’s public apology and the court’s recording of the consent judgment on May 22, 2026 [1, 2, 3].
