{
  "id": 3846777,
  "title": "Defamation is a rich man’s game",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/defamation-is-a-rich-mans-game",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-28T00:08:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Vibes",
    "slug": "the-vibes",
    "url": "https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/126598/defamation-is-a-rich-mans-game"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia's legal system struggles to curb the misuse of defamation lawsuits, which often target journalists and activists looking to scrutinise powerful entities. The recent RM100 million (approximately US$24.45 million) defamation suit filed against veteran journalist P. Gunasegaram highlights the issue. Gunasegaram claims the suit is an attack on press freedom, but few other organisations have rallied to his defence. Even his own news outlet has remained largely silent, reflecting a pattern where wealthy corporations use costly legal actions to silence critics. In Malaysia, there are no dedicated anti-SLAPP (strategic lawsuit against public participation) laws to quickly dismiss such cases, shift costs to the plaintiff, or set guidelines to deter these abusive suits. This leaves victims to face lengthy and expensive proceedings alone, often with significant personal consequences. While some NGOs offer limited legal support, many victims are left isolated and may experience depression. The development sector, where public funds and government contracts are involved, sees some companies react strongly to criticism, treating it as an intrusion. This lack of safeguards allows SLAPP actions to function as a tool for those with financial power to deter inquiry and shape public discourse. Internationally, many countries, including several US states, the European Union, the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia, have implemented anti-SLAPP legislation to protect press freedom and public participation in governance. Malaysia needs similar protections to ensure that scrutiny of the powerful does not become a luxury only the wealthy can afford.",
  "summary": "By Murray Hunter THE recent RM100 million (approximately US$24.45 million) defamation suit filed against veteran journalist P. Gunasegaram has thrown a harsh spotlight on the growing use of high-stakes defamation actions in Malaysia. The claimant see...",
  "key_points": [
    "Malaysia's legal system struggles to curb misuse of defamation lawsuits.",
    "RM100 million defamation suit targets veteran journalist P. Gunasegaram.",
    "Lack of anti-SLAPP laws allows wealthy corporations to silence critics."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The absence of anti-SLAPP laws in Malaysia enables wealthy corporations to use costly defamation suits to silence critics, leaving victims isolated and vulnerable to significant personal consequences.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}