The Court of Appeal in Putrajaya today ordered Malaysiakini to pay a sum of RM200,000 in damages to Raub Australian Gold Mine (RAGM), after it ruled that the High Court in Kuala Lumpur had erred in dismissing the claim.
The three-member panel, headed by Justice Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, also allowed an injunction on the publication of the three articles and two videos found to be defamatory.
The court further ordered Malaysiakini to pay RAGM’s senior counsel, Cecil Abraham, a total of RM150,000 in legal costs despite the portal’s lawyers, James Khong and Syahredzan Johan, arguing that a sum of RM80,000 would be sufficient.
The bench also comprised Justices Mary Lim and Suraya Othman.
Suraya, in the unanimous decision, described the reports and videos carried by Malaysiakini on the gold mine allegedly affecting the residents of Bukit Koman, Pahang, as reckless and published in an accusatory and damaging tone.
Malaysiakini editor-in-chief Steven Gan (photo) said this is a setback not just to journalists from the portal but all journalists in the country.
"We are disappointed that the Court of Appeal has reversed the High Court’s decision which was in favour of Malaysiakini.
"RM350,000 is a lot of money and we call upon our readers and supporters to generously donate to our Defend Malaysiakini Fund," he added.
Gan said Malaysiakini plans to appeal against this decision at the Federal Court.
He also thanked lawyers James Khong and Shahredzan Johan who had argued the case pro bono in both the High Court and the Court of Appeal.
[More to follow]
- Mkini
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