Pahang MB's defamation suit against Utusan Malaysia to get full trial

Pahang menteri besar Adnan Yaakob will have his day in court over his defamation suit filed against Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia.

This follows a unanimous decision by a five-member bench at the Federal Court today, led by Chief Judge of Malaya Justice Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin to reinstate the suit while ordering the matter go for full trial at the Kuala Lumpur High Court, and not allow the matter be summarily dismissed through striking out.

Justice Zulkefli also said that the apex court would not decide on the question of law regarding Derbyshire County Council vs The Times Newspapers Ltd, on whether it is accepted to be part of the common law in Malaysia.

"The appeal (by Adnan) is allowed. The decision of the Court of Appeal is set aside as it is clearly unsustainable for it to decide on Order 18 Rule 19 of Rules of Court 2012 (to strike out).

"This matter will go for full trial. We did not decide on whether Derbyshire is applicable or not," he said.

The court fixed Feb 22 for case management at the High Court.

It was reported that Adnan filed the suit over an article titled 'Hebat sangatkah Adnan' in 2014.

[More to follow]

-Mkini