Khir Toyo Apologises To Ronnie Liu In Settling Defamation Suit

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- Former Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo today apologised in open court to Selangor State Executive Councillor Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew in the settlement of a defamation suit against him over a newspaper article in which Khir had implied that Liu was involved in prostitution activities.

The apology was read out by Khir and recorded before Justice Datuk Nik Hasmat Nik Mohamad in the High Court here.

Khir said he apologised to Liu, who is the state assemblyman for Pandamaran, for having caused to be published an article entitled "Khir Membongkarkan Laporan Polis Liu Tian Khiew Pernah Bercampur Tangan Dalam Urusan Menghapuskan Kegiatan Pelacuran" (Khir Exposes Police Report that Liu Tian Khiew Had Interfered in Activities to Eradicate Prostitution) in the China Press dated May 9, 2008.

He said the article referred to Liu as the individual who had obstructed officers of the Subang Jaya Municipal Council and the police in an operation to close down a hotel in Puchong which he had insinuated was a centre for prostitution.

Khir said he also apologised to Liu for further insinuating that he was involved in such activities, which he added was totally untrue.