Mediation centres are a positive alternative in defamation cases
By Murray Hunter THERE has been a rapid expansion of defamation actions taking place all around the world. Malaysia has not been any different with many lawyers encouraging this and specialising in defamation, even though most of them amount to being...
Recent defamation cases in Malaysia have been on the rise, with lawyers specializing in these types of legal actions. These Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) actions are designed to intimidate, silence, or burden critics, rather than genuinely seeking justice. Many of these cases are frivolous and are primarily aimed at damaging the target's reputation, draining them emotionally and financially.
One such case involved a developer demolishing an iconic building, followed by a defamation lawsuit against an environmental activist who dared to question the project's transparency. These cases often result in biased rulings in favor of the complainant due to the power imbalance between the defendant and the plaintiff. Independent mediation centres offer an alternative to the costly and unfair traditional court system, providing a quicker, more cost-effective solution for those seeking to address their grievances.
These centres cost a fraction of the price of court cases and aim to find a mutually agreeable solution between the parties involved. The legal profession is generally against this idea due to potential fee losses, but independent mediation could help curb the growing SLAPP industry and promote a healthier society that values free speech and open public participation.
Written by urgent.news from The Vibes's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
