KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will no longer pursue his defamation suit against former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

In a joint statement today, both politicians said they have agreed to stop the personal dispute and High Court proceedings.

They said the decision was made after considering the effects that the defamation suit would have on the public as well as the recommendations of the High Court judge.

They added that they wanted to put the country's needs first.

In the same statement, both politicians also thanked the High Court judge and court officers involved and expressed hope that their decision would be accepted and respected by all parties and not be used as fodder ...