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Friday, 7 January 2011

Press Statement Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim VS Dato Anifah Aman

Press Statement
Re: DSAI v Dato Anifah Aman Defamation Suit – KL High Court Civil 2
( Application by Anifah to striking out Suit)

The above applications by Dato Anifah were allowed by Court today.
An absurd decision today and worse still with no reasons given. It appears that now a Minister [and the Govt (vicariously)] cannot be sued for defamation. The decision gives any Minister a carte blanche to defame anyone and be “immune” to defamation suits. A miscarriage of justice, yet again.
Lately there is a disturbing trend in Dsai’s defamation suits – especially when it involves Ministers and VVIPs – they get away at a very early stage of the suit (before trial in court) – so that they need not have to sit in the witness box to be cross examined at full trial.
Another disturbing trend lately is to, not only strike out at the interlocutory (early) stage, but also impose hefty and punitive costs on DSAI (to be paid to the other side). This is to serve as a deterrent on Dsai from filing similar suits in future. How then will Dsai ever get Justice?
S N Nair
Counsel for DSAI

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