Perak State Development Corp sues Jeyakumar for defamation

 

The Perak State Development Corporation (PKNP) has hauled PSM chairperson Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj to court over alleged defamation linked to last year's eviction of Kanthan farmers.

When contacted recently, the outspoken activist confirmed being aware of the civil action over his statement made on Nov 1 last year during a press conference, where he was accompanying a group of farmers lodging a report at the Kanthan police station.

Jeyakumar (above) added that he would engage a lawyer to respond to the writ of summons, which was filed at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Jan 31.

According to a copy of the statement of claim, PKNP alleged that Jeyakumar's statement was defamatory for falsely implying that the statutory body had contravened an interim court order.

In October last year, the Ipoh High Court issued an interim order against the eviction of six Kanthan farmers. The ruling is over the farmers' related ongoing judicial review, which is set for a hearing next month.

Kanthan farmers submitted a memorandum last year, urging government intervention

PKNP pointed out that the Ipoh High Court on Jan 4 ruled that the plaintiff had not breached the interim court order, and dismissed the farmers’ bid for leave to commence contempt proceedings against the statutory body.

The plaintiff noted that while the farmers have filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal, the High Court order itself is still valid and enforceable.

“The High Courtʼs decision in dismissing the leave for committal not only demonstrates that the plaintiff did not breach the interim stay order but also clearly indicates that Jeyakumar and/or PSM have been making and/or spreading false allegations regarding the plaintiff's alleged defiance of the interim stay order,” the plaintiff said.

‘Reputation impacted’

PKNP alleged that its business reputation was negatively impacted by Jeyakumar’s statement, among them that the statutory body suffered a loss of confidence in potential investors, business partners and the public in Perak.

The plaintiff, who noted that it takes pride in its socio-economic development, claimed that it has received public backlash, as well as lost the trust of its employees which impacted employee morale, and lost its competitive edge and advantage over other corporations in Perak.

Among the reliefs sought by PKNP are general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as an order to compel Jeyakumar and PSM to publish an apology.

The plaintiff seeks an injunction for the removal of all publications and online videos on the press conference, as well as an order to restrain Jeyakumar and PSM from repeating the allegedly defamatory statement.

PKNP is suing Jeyakumar as an individual in his personal capacity and as an office bearer of PSM, whereby the party is being sued through the defendant.

The plaintiff is represented by law firm Mah Weng Kwai & Associates. - Mkini