In a recent development, the George Town High Court has instructed Kepala Batas MP Dr Siti Mastura Muhammad to file her statement of defence by January 11, 2024, in response to lawsuits brought against her by three DAP leaders. The legal action was initiated separately by DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng, his father Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang, and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok Suh Sim, with the court setting a timeline for the legal proceedings.
The lawsuits stem from Siti Mastura's speech during a political talk conducted while campaigning for the Kemaman by-election. Lawyer Datuk S.N Nair, representing all three plaintiffs, revealed that the court directed Siti Mastura to submit her defence before the specified date and set January 26, 2024, as the deadline for the plaintiffs to file their replies. A further case management session is scheduled for February 9, 2024.
During the e-Review session in front of Senior Assistant Registrar Tunku Intan Nadiah Tunku Mohammed Nazarin, lawyers Jaden Phoon Wai Ken and Wong Guo Jin represented the three DAP leaders, while lawyer Mohamad Hakim Faharmi Hassan acted as counsel for Siti Mastura.
The essence of the legal dispute lies in the alleged defamatory statements made by Siti Mastura during the political talk on November 4. The three plaintiffs claim that she insinuated a connection between them and the Communist Party and its leader Chin Peng, as well as the first Singaporean prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew. Siti Mastura allegedly accused them of being associated with the Communist Party, supporting its ideologies, and spreading communist philosophy in the country.
The three DAP leaders categorically deny these allegations, asserting that Siti Mastura's claims are baseless, false, and made with malicious intent. In their statement of claim, they argue that the defendant's actions were driven by deceit to gain publicity and enhance her political party's image.
Seeking legal redress, the three plaintiffs are pursuing general damages, aggravated damages, and exemplary damages. Additionally, they are seeking an injunction to prevent Siti Mastura from further disseminating similar statements. The legal proceedings highlight the seriousness of the allegations and the impact of defamatory remarks on the reputations of public figures.
As the case progresses, it underscores the importance of upholding standards of discourse in political campaigns and the accountability of individuals for statements that can harm the reputation of others. The court's involvement and the established timeline demonstrate a commitment to a fair and efficient resolution of the defamation lawsuit.
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