The activist, also known as Chegubard, read out a public apology before Judge Gan Techiong, admitting that his allegations against the former natural resources and environmental sustainability minister were false and baseless.

He formally retracted the allegations made in four Facebook posts published in December 2023.

The former Port Dickson Bersatu chief acknowledged that the words used in the posts were understood to mean that Nik Nazmi was involved in corruption and bribery, including the receipt of commissions and kickbacks through proxies from companies linked to the river basin transformation flood mitigation project.

“I sincerely apologise to the plaintiff, Nik Nazmi, for the embarrassment, distress, and inconvenience caused to him.

“I hereby undertake that I will not repeat or publish any further statements or allegations regarding the same matter, or any statements of a similar effect,” he said.

Under the settlement terms, Badrul is also required to publish an apology video on his social media accounts within 24 hours of the statement read out in court.

Nik Nazmi, who filed the suit in his personal capacity in January 2024, was also present and shook hands with Badrul after the proceedings.

He was represented by counsel Razlan Hadri Zulkifli, while Badrul was represented by Zolazrai Zolkapli.