KUALA LUMPUR: National Feedlot Corporation Sdn Bhd (NFCorp) executive chairman Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Salleh Ismail is suing his former consultant for alleged defamatory postings on Facebook.

In the suit filed on Friday, Mohamad Salleh said Shamsubahrin Ismail, now on bail pending appeal, had published six statements against him between May 19 and June 23.

He said the statements implied that Shamsubahrin was made a "scapegoat" in order to protect him.

He said Shamsubahrin was angry because he had been convicted by a Sessions Court on May 18 for cheating.

Shamsubahrin was sentenced to eight years jail and ordered to be whipped four times for cheating Mohamad Salleh.

Shamsubahrin was also ordered to pay RM611,895 as penalty in default four years’ jail for the offence and 17 counts of money laundering totalling RM1.7mil.

Speaking to reporters, Mohamad Salleh said he was disappointed at the conduct of his former consultant for making false and slanderous postings on Facebook which had affected his reputation.

"I never say anything malicious about him. I did not even lodge a police report against him for the said offences. If he did not do his job, I will file a civil suit to recover my money.

"For me, his statements are most unfair," he said.

In his statement of claim, Mohamad Salleh said the offending words meant that he had abused his position and influence to get the protection of the Prime Minister, Government and all ministries, agencies and departments to ensure that he will not be prosecuted or made liable for wrongdoings.

He said the statements implied that he "is a criminal, immoral and would not hesitate to take advantage of his status, influence and power for his own personal wealth and benefit to the detriment of Shamsubahrin."

He said the words also meant that he had conspired with his wife, Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil, other top government officials and the judiciary to make Shamsubahrin the scapegoat of the alleged wrongdoings.

He said Shamsubahrin failed to verify with him before the publishing the statements.

He is seeking for damages for libel, malicious falsehood, aggravated and exemplary damages as well as an injunction to remove the statements and prevent further similar postings.