KUALA LUMPUR: Islamic Da'wah Foundation Malaysia (Yadim) former president Datuk Nakhaie Ahmad is suing former Perlis Mufti Dr Asri Zainul and seven others for RM1.5 million for allegedly defaming him.

The suit was filed through Messrs Ibrahim & Fuaadah Civil High Court registry here today.

Besides Asri, also named as defendants are Kumpulan Karangkraf Sdn Bhd, Akhbar Cabaran Sdn Bhd, Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub, Sri Diah, Azmi Tarmizi, Lailatun Khalilah Nasir and Siti Azila Alis.

THE former chairman of Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (Yadim), Datuk Nakhaie Ahmad, has denied any involvement in the memorandum protesting against the appointment of former Perlis mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainal Abidin to replace him as Yadim chairman.

"I have no knowledge whatsoever of such a memorandum until I heard about it in the news," he told a Press conference at his residence near the Pas headquarters at Taman Melewar, Gombak, yesterday.

FORMER Perlis mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainal Abidin is undecided whether to take legal action against the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) over his arrest.

He wants to discuss the matter with his lawyer first before making any decision.

However, Asri said he will be suing the Malaysian Syariah Lawyers Association for allegedly defaming him, claiming that he had tarnished the image of ulamas and Islam.