Penang tycoon Tan Kok Ping loses libel appeal against CM Chow Kon Yeow, ordered to pay RM50,000
PUTRAJAYA, Aug 26 — The Court of Appeal here today upheld the High Court’s dismissal of businessman Tan Sri...
Penang entrepreneur Tan Sri Tan Kok Ping's attempt to sue Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow for defamation has been rejected by the Court of Appeal. A three-judge panel of Justice Alwi Abdul Wahab, Justice Shahnaz Sulaiman and Justice Ajit Singh unanimously decided to uphold the High Court's dismissal of Tan's libel case. The Court of Appeal found that the High Court had not made any errors that warranted further review.
The judges ruled that Chow's statements were fair comment, based on proven facts and an honest opinion regarding the governance of a charitable institution. The statements, made during press conferences in December 2023, were considered truthful and did not conceal material facts. Justice Alwi also dismissed Tan's claim of malice, as the statements were made in response to Tan's resignation letter.
Additionally, the defense of qualified privilege applied, as Chow had a right to publicly respond to Tan's resignation. The Court of Appeal ordered Tan to pay RM50,000 in costs.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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