Huat ah! Kok urged to seek one more bumper CNY civil suit from Jamal Jamban over toxic insinuation

 

FIREWORKS and angpow are two things that come to mind as the Year of the Fire Horse draws close.

But fireworks and angpow of a different nature this lunar new year for DAP lawmaker Teresa Kok as political foe Datuk Seri Jamal Md Yunos a.k.a. Jamal Jamban is seemingly prolonging their feud with his antic of spewing malicious remarks in response to the Seputeh MP claiming arrears related to her defamation suit.

In fact, the former DAP vice-chairman has declared that she had exercised “patience” and “restraint” but these virtues are being tested to their limits by the once Selangor Barisan Nasional (BN) information chief.

“I’ve chosen not to respond to every provocation or irresponsible statement because I don’t believe Malaysians benefit from endless political attacks or attempts to manufacture controversy for personal attention,” Kok penned on her Facebook post.

Irritated and annoyed

However, what is now deeply concerning is that these are not merely political comments or casual criticism.

What is especially regrettable is the crude and morally irresponsible manner in which Datuk Jamal continues to speak, including his attempt to mock and trivialise a sum that has been ordered by the Court.

To turn compliance with a court decision into a vulgar insinuation is not only offensive but reflects a troubling disregard for basic decency and respect for the judicial process.

This is not legitimate criticism. It is deliberate provocation and character attack through degrading and irresponsible language.

More importantly, there is already a High Court injunction in place. The continued repetition or re-publication of defamatory remarks in defiance of a court order is a serious matter. Court orders are not optional and no individual is above the law.

This is when the former Primary Industries Minister proclaimed:

If these defamatory statements continue in breach of the High Court injunction, then I will have no choice but to instruct my lawyers to take the necessary legal action, including contempt proceedings to uphold the authority of the Court and to protect my reputation and integrity.

This is not a step I take lightly but it may become unavoidable if such irresponsible conduct persists.

Kok’s FB post has generated 1.2K Likes, 512 comments and 52 shares at time of writing, denoting that this very public spat has got tongues wagging.

Unsurprisingly, there were many commenters who were egging on the former Dewan Rakyat’s Public Accounts Committee deputy chairperson to go for the jugular without any prior warning.

Some observers pointed out that the once UMNO-linked “Red Shirt” activist still had “many pairs of slippers” and even towels (and underwear) that he can auction to pay for damages arising from more civil suits.

It was also suggested that contempt proceedings be brought against the individual(s) who bought the said items. If these businessmen want to be part of this political theatre, then let them be part of contempt proceedings as well.

Insinuating that the restaurateur was a wealthy man, Kok was urged to keep suing him “till he is left with his underwear only”.

Jamal’s inflammatory remarks and antics are reflective of the party and the members he represents lamented one commenter. Perhaps the only way to shut such loudmouth politicians up is continued legal action until the point was hammered home.

Editor’s Note: Bear in mind that Kok has a pending RM25 mil defamatory suit against rightist UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh over a “Nyonya Tua” (literally “Old Lady”) spat over halal certification.

It does appear that in Malaysia, civil suits don’t seem to be a deterrent of any sort. In fact, some have argued that these politicians thrive on the oxygen of publicity that these high-profile cases seem to generate as can be seen from previous suits involving PAS Kepala Batas MP Dr Siti Mastura Muhammad.

Given Jamal’s show of defiance, it is highly unlikely he will back down. Get ready for this court drama to continue rumbling on. – Focus Malaysia