Harris wants apology for ‘Vendetta and Abuse of Power’

The book was written purposely, intentionally and maliciously to assassinate his character, the former Chief Minister claims.

KOTA KINABALU: Former Sabah Chief Minister Harris Mohd Salleh has demanded an unreserved apology from the author of a controversial book, Vendetta and Abuse of Power, and several other people and three firms connected with the book’s printing and publication.

Harris is seeking the unreserved apology from the author Shaari Isa, Syed Salem Albukhary, the younger brother of the late Syed Kechik Syed Mohamed Albukhary, the latter being uncles of billionaire Syed Mokhtar Albukhary. Syed Kechik, once political adviser to Sabah’s 2nd Chief Minister Mustapha Harun, was also Syed Mokhtar’s father-in-law.

Harris is also seeking the unreserved apology from MPH Group Publishing House which allegedly published and printed the book on a complimentary basis, MPH Distributors Sdn Bhd., and MPH Distributors (S) Pte Ltd.

The terms and conditions of the apology are to be agreed by Harris, according to a statement issued by him on Tuesday.

Harris warned that unless the parties concerned undertake to make an unreserved apology and retract completely the distribution of the said book within 14 days, his lawyers would proceed with legal proceedings against them.

Harris also said in his statement that he reserved the right to take legal action against Rais Yatim for launching the book on January 17, 2014; Syed Ahmad Idid and Syed Ali Tawfik Al-Attas for writing the Forewords; and Professor Saleh Buang for writing an Introduction.

“These people have associated themselves with the book in one way or another knowing fully well the implications of their involvement,” said Harris who was Chief Minister from 1976 to 1985 during the reign of the Berjaya Government.

Harris claims that those being asked to apologise made false and serious allegations of abuse of power, corruption and vengeance against him in the 800-page book, which purportedly narrates a 34-year quest for justice by Syed Kechik and, after his demise, by Syed Salem.

The book was written purposely, intentionally and maliciously to assassinate his character, he added.

Harris also regretted in his statement that the author did not interview him.

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

Harris claimed that the contents of the book are a clear ventilation of hatred towards him and others, including the Sabah Government and the Judiciary, on the acquisition of 2,453 acres of land under Zara Sdn Bhd for public purposes.

University Malaysia Sabah, the Sabah Foundation Headquarters, Federal Government Offices and the Sabah Legislative Assembly Building all sit on the land acquired for public purposes, the statement explained.