KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 20): Minister of national unity and social well-being in the Prime Minister's Department P Waytha Moorthy is suing Umno supreme council member Datuk Lokman Noor Adam for defamatory statements.

Lokman allegedly made false accusations against Waytha for trying to persuade Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his Cabinet to amend the report on the death of firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim, who lost his life after a mission at the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple riot.

According to the case's statement of claim, Lokman had allegedly in January this year delivered a speech, in a protest rally, saying that Waytha had in one Cabinet meeting requested that Dr Mahathir amend the investigation report on Adib's death, by stating the cause of death is accident or being knocked by a vehicle, instead of being assaulted to death.

Lokman allegedly said Waytha's move was to avoid racial riots.

Waytha's statement of claims also alleged that Lokman's allegations connote the meanings including that the former is a liar, a dishonest minister, trying to manipulate Adib's medical reports, not fit to hold any public office, and failed to carry out his duties, roles and functions as a minister.

Waytha is represented by Annou Xavier, while Lokman is represented by N Logendran.

Both parties' lawyers came to the Kuala Lumpur High Court today for case management on this suit.

After the case management, Judicial Commissioner Datuk Seri Latifah Haji Mohd Tahar fixed Nov 1, 2019 as the next case management date.

Speaking to reporters here today, Logendran said he has filed the defence statement for his client, but declined to reveal the details.