Harris demands apology over claims in book

Kota Kinabalu: Former Chief Minister Tan Sri Harris Salleh has demanded an unreserved apology from a book publisher and an author for writing false and serious allegations of abuse of power against him in a book titled "Vendetta and Abuse of Power."Harris demanded the public apology, the terms and conditions to be agreed by him, from Shaari Isa, MPH Group Publishing House, MPH Distributors Sdn Bhd, MPH Distributors (S) Pte Ltd and Syed Salem Albukhary.

He also reserved the right to take legal action against Tan Sri Rais Yatim who launched the book in January this year as well as Dato Syed Ahmad Idid, and Syed Ali Tawfik Al-Attas for writing the Forewords; and Prof. Saleh Buang for writing an Introduction.

"These people associated themselves with the book in one way or another, knowing fully well the implications of their involvement," he said, in a statement, Tuesday.

Harris claimed the book was written purposely and maliciously to assassinate his character and was printed and published by MPH Group Publishing House on a complimentary basis to the writer and Syed Salem Albukhary.

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The book was distributed by MPH Distributors Sdn Bhd, Malaysia and MPH Distributors (S) Pte Ltd after it was launched by Rais on Jan. 17, 2014. He said the contents of the book were clear ventilation of hatred towards him and others, including the state and the judiciary.

"This is on the acquisition of Zara Sdn Bhd of 2,453 acres for public purposes.

It was claimed in the book that even up to 2013, after almost 40 years, and after nine successive governments and 24 years of Umno government, the issue was not solved.

"It is important to take note that the book was printed and published in 2013 - almost 40 years after the land was acquired by the Sabah State Government for public purpose," he said.

According to Harris, the said land was acquired for public purposes as Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), the Sabah Foundation headquarters, Federal Government offices and Sabah State Legislative Assembly were all built on it.

Harris regretted that notwithstanding "the deliberate attempt to defame and assassinate his character and other personalities through such false accusations and allegations, the author saw fit not to interview him".

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"This only shows that the author, in collaboration with Syed Salem and MPH, decided to act as judge, jury and executioner without verifying the truth of the matter involved," he said.

Towards this end, Harris gave all those named by him to make the unreserved public apology and retract the distribution of the book within 14 days or he would take legal action.

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