The libel suit filed by Deputy Youth and Sports Minister M Saravanan against former MIC president G Palanivel was settled today following a retraction of remarks and an apology by the latter.

"I do hereby unconditionally retract and withdraw all my statements complained of in this suit with reference to the plaintiff. I regret and apologise for any inconvenience caused to the plaintiff as a result of those statements," read the statement signed by Palanivel.

Palanivel's lawyer R Thayalan produced the statement before Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Mohd Zaki Abdul Wahab in chambers, in the presence of Saravanan and his counsel V Premshanger. Palanivel was not present.

Saravanan (photo) had filed the suit on July 30 last year claiming that Palanivel had made a false statement against him, thus causing a libellous statement to be published in the Tamil Malar daily on June 21.

He claimed that the publication of the statement had cast a negative impression of his public office and his position as chairperson of Yayasan Tindakan Gerakan Affirmatif Baru (NAAM).

Saravanan, who is the MP for Tapah, had also claimed that the publication of the statement had damaged his reputation and credibility and subjected him to public scandal, hatred and general contempt.

Approached by reporters later, Saravanan said the suit against Tamil Malar still stood.

Premshangar said the court had set May 3 for case management in the suit against the daily.

- Bernama