Defamation Case: Muhyiddin to Pay RM1.35mil
Defamation case ends with court ruling that Muhyiddin Yassin must pay RM1.35 million to Lim Guan Eng for tax exemption remarks.
Court Ruling on Defamation
KUALA LUMPUR: The court has mandated Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Malaysia’s former premier, to pay RM1.35 million in damages to DAP leader Lim Guan Eng for defamation related to statements on Yayasan Al-Bukhary’s tax exemptions.
Judicial Findings on Resources and Verification
High Court Judicial Commissioner Roz Mawar Rozain found that Lim had substantiated his defamation case against Muhyiddin. The ruling stated that Muhyiddin, despite having the means to verify his claims, continued to make defamatory remarks after being informed of their inaccuracy by Lim.
Religious Context of the Statements
Roz Mawar highlighted that the statements carried racial undertones and lacked qualified privilege, noting they were not made within an appropriate context but as part of a broader public campaign. The court awarded RM1.05 million in general damages, RM150,000 each for aggravated and exemplary damages, plus RM50,000 in legal costs.
Appeal Expected
Muhyiddin plans to appeal, claiming his statements were non-defamatory and the awarded amount excessive.
