The Kuala Lumpur High Court has determined that former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin defamed former Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng regarding the revocation of a tax exemption status held by the Albukhary Foundation. The court ruled in favor of Lim, concluding that Muhyiddin’s statements were baseless and defamatory, and ordered him to pay RM1.35 million in damages.
According to an online report by Malaysiakini, Judicial Commissioner Roz Mawar Rozain made this decision, emphasizing that Muhyiddin, who is the Pagoh Member of Parliament, had failed to confirm the accuracy of his statements before making the allegations public. Roz stated that such a statement, made without verification, could carry particularly harmful consequences in a diverse, multicultural society like Malaysia.
This legal dispute originated from a claim Muhyiddin made that Lim had removed the tax-exempt status of the Albukhary Foundation during his tenure as finance minister in the Pakatan Harapan administration. Lim’s suit argued that this allegation was not only false but intended to tarnish his reputation, especially given the delicate political and social landscape in Malaysia.
In breaking down the awarded damages, the court determined that RM350,000 was owed for each of the three defamatory statements, totaling RM1.05 million. An additional RM350,000 was assigned for aggravated damages, acknowledging the seriousness of the injury to Lim's reputation, and another RM350,000 was levied for exemplary damages, meant as a punitive measure to underscore the seriousness of making unverified and defamatory statements. Together, these damages amounted to RM1.35 million. The court also ordered Muhyiddin to cover RM50,000 in legal costs incurred by Lim.
The verdict underscores the judiciary's stance on accountability for public figures who make accusations without proper verification. Judicial Commissioner Roz highlighted the potential damage such unfounded claims can inflict in a nation with a range of ethnic and cultural identities, noting that such statements can fuel misunderstandings or hostilities if left unchecked. Her ruling serves as a cautionary message regarding the need for responsibility and verification in public discourse.
Following the court’s decision, Lim was observed being congratulated by leaders and supporters from the Democratic Action Party (DAP), as he received handshakes and hugs from his allies and well-wishers. Lim’s supporters saw the decision as a vindication of his role and actions during his time as finance minister, while the sizable damages awarded reflected the court’s view on the severity of the defamatory remarks.
Muhyiddin, who was not present at the court session, has yet to respond publicly to the ruling. This case, however, illustrates the growing attention to defamatory cases in Malaysia, particularly in the political realm where unsubstantiated claims and accusations can quickly spread and influence public opinion. The ruling reinforces the legal expectations for accuracy and accountability, especially for public officials, and may influence how political figures approach sensitive topics and allegations in the future.
Source: Malay Mail
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