The High Court in Shah Alam today set April 5 for the case management of the defamation suits filed by Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Noh Omar against the Selangor government and Sekinchan assemblyperson Ng Suee Lim.

High Court senior assistant registrar Ruhaizat Abdullah fixed the date in chambers.

Noh, who is also Selangor Umno liaison committee deputy chairperson, filed the suits through Messr Hafarizam Wan & Aisha Mubarak on March 9.

Noh claimed that the state government had published two defamatory articles in the Nov 25 to Dec 2, 2011 edition of its newspaper, Selangor Kini, alleging ‘padi farmers were demanding Noh’s resignation’ and a picture of a banner with the words ‘Noh betrays farmers and swindles RM110 million meant for farmers’ aid’.

One of the suits is against the Selangor government and six others, including the Selangor Kini editor, while the other is against the Sekinchan assemblyperson.

Noh is seeking RM10 million in damages for each suit.

- Bernama