KUALA LUMPUR: A drama producer is seeking damages in a defamation suit against TV3 over a programme which implied he was having an affair.

Jurey Latiff Mohd Rosli’s lawyer Norafzaniza Samsi said her client and Sistem Televisyen Malaysia Bhd (TV3) are however, trying to settle the matter through mediation.

“The court has set Nov 30 for mention pending the outcome of the mediation process,” she told reporters here yesterday.

High Court judge Justice Nik Hasmat Nik Mohamad set the date in chambers after meeting Norafzaniza who acted for Jurey Latiff while counsel Jason Wee represented TV3.

“If we do not reach a settlement, the matter will go for a full hearing on May 13 and 14,” she added.

Jurey Latiff, who is the president of the Malaysian Television Producers Association and chairman of Creative Content Industry Guild, filed a lawsuit on Jan 13, 2009, claiming that the Melodi programme aired by TV3 at 12.30pm on Sept 21, 2008 had defamed him.

He said the host Nas Ahmad had implied that he was an immoral individual, a dishonest and an irresponsible husband and father as well as one who neglects his wife and children.

Jurey Latiff is seeking RM10mil while TV3, in its amended statement of defence on Sept 10, cited qualified privilege.

It said it had a moral and social duty to publish any knowledge it acquires of individuals who are dishonest, immoral or exhibit an absence of integrity so that the public can be fully informed.

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