Ganabatirau sues Firdaus Wong over ‘loyalty’ posts

Klang MP V Ganabatirau has initiated a defamation case against preacher Firdaus Wong over posts on social media alleging that Ganabatirau's loyalty to Malaysia is questionable. The posts, published on July 28, 2023, on Firdaus's Facebook and Instagram accounts, have tarnished Ganabatirau's reputation, integrity, and credibility as an elected representative.

Ganabatirau met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Malaysia on February 8, 2023, and raised concerns about the requirements for the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) facility, seeking greater flexibility for eligible Malaysians of Indian descent. Firdaus questioned Ganabatirau's motives during the meeting, and the posts followed this exchange.

The posts described the OCI as an "Overseas Indian Citizen Card" and ended with the sarcastic remark, "Ganabatirau is loyal to Malaysia," accompanied by a saluting-face emoji. Ganabatirau contends that the post implied his loyalty was divided between Malaysia and India and prioritized India's interests over Malaysia's. Firdaus, with approximately 140,000 Facebook followers and 387,000 Instagram followers, has 963 reactions, 207 comments, and 139 shares on the Facebook post, and 1,525 likes, 163 comments, on the Instagram post.

Ganabatirau has issued a letter of demand for a retraction, apology, and removal of the posts, seeking general, aggravated, and exemplary damages, an injunction to prevent further publication, removal of the posts, and a public apology. The lawsuit was filed yesterday through Messrs SN Nair & Partners.