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Malaysian minister wins final appeal in defamation case
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Elections & Politics

Malaysian minister wins final appeal in defamation case

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Hannah Yeoh, a Malaysian Minister, celebrated a Federal Court decision upholding a defamation ruling against former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan.
  • The court dismissed Musa Hassan's final appeal, concluding five years of legal battles for Yeoh, who faced accusations related to race and religion.
  • Yeoh hopes the verdict serves as a lesson against playing on racial and religious issues, emphasizing the need for societal harmony.

Malaysian Minister Hannah Yeoh expressed relief and gratitude after the Federal Court dismissed the final appeal of former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan in a defamation case. The decision marks the end of a five-year legal struggle for Yeoh, who had sued Hassan over statements made against her.

So I thank the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court for helping to deliver justice for me.

— Hannah YeohExpressing gratitude after the Federal Court dismissed Musa Hassan's appeal.

Yeoh, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), described the court's ruling as justice served. She recounted facing numerous accusations, including those targeting her religion and ethnicity, stemming from Hassan's defamatory remarks. "So I thank the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court for helping to deliver justice for me," Yeoh stated.

"For five years I have faced various slanders because of that statement made by the former Inspector-General of Police. I still remember the various accusations and slanders about my religion, about my race, and these slanders have led to many police reports being made against me," she added. Yeoh, also the Member of Parliament for Segambut, hopes this outcome will deter others from exploiting sensitive racial and religious issues.

For five years I have faced various slanders because of that statement made by the former Inspector-General of Police. I still remember the various accusations and slanders about my religion, about my race, and these slanders have led to many police reports being made against me.

— Hannah YeohDescribing the impact of the defamatory statements.

Her lawyer, Datuk Razlan Hadri Zulkifli, emphasized that the verdict upholds truth and individual reputation. He noted that while freedom of speech is a right, it should not be used to defame or incite societal discord. "This case is not about money, but about restoring an individual's reputation. It is about ensuring this country is safe for everyone," he said. The Federal Court upheld a previous ruling ordering Musa Hassan to pay RM250,000 in damages to Yeoh.

This case is not about money, but about restoring an individual's reputation. It is about ensuring this country is safe for everyone.

— Datuk Razlan Hadri ZulkifliHannah Yeoh's lawyer, commenting on the significance of the verdict.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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