KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 -- The High Court has reportedly ordered preacher Mohd Rasyiq Mohd Alwi to pay RM2.5 million in damages to former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin for making defamatory remarks regarding the latter's Covid-19 vaccination status.

According to a report by Free Malaysia Today, Justice Raja Ahmad Mohzanuddin Shah Raja Mohzan, in delivering the judgment, found that Rasyiq's statements were false and had damaged Khairy's reputation.

"The defendant (Rasyiq) also blatantly disregarded the court's courtesy by attempting to delay the trial and today's decision by filing an application to reopen the case.

"The court will not tolerate his attempt to scuttle the case," he was quoted as saying.

The trial reportedly proceeded...