Court Orders Compensation
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Malaysian Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has been instructed by the court to pay RM1.35 million to DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng after a ruling found him guilty of defamation regarding statements on Yayasan Al-Bukhary’s tax exemption.
Judicial Decision on Verification
High Court Judicial Commissioner Roz Mawar Rozain ruled that Lim successfully demonstrated his case against the Bersatu leader. She noted that Muhyiddin had resources available to fact-check his statements but chose not to, despite being alerted by Lim about the inaccuracies in his remarks.
Case Centered on Tax Exemption Remarks
Lim’s lawsuit focused on Muhyiddin’s statements about the foundation’s tax exemption status. JC Roz Mawar further emphasized that Muhyiddin’s defense failed as his statements were inflammatory, with undertones that could incite racial sensitivities.
Religious Overtones Highlighted
Additionally, the court determined that Muhyiddin’s statements included religious references intended to create public bias. JC Roz Mawar also highlighted that these statements were not protected by qualified privilege, as they were part of a public campaign unrelated to an appropriate context. The timing suggested an attempt to divert attention from his own MACC-related matters.
Damages and Costs Imposed
Muhyiddin was ordered to pay RM1.05 million in general damages, RM150,000 in aggravated damages, and RM150,000 in exemplary damages, plus RM50,000 for Lim’s legal costs. Muhyiddin has indicated he plans to appeal, expressing his disagreement with the court’s decision and asserting his statements were non-defamatory.
