Muhyiddin Yassin's appeal over RM1.35 million defamation payout to be heard June 18

The Court of Appeal will hear former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's appeal on June 18 concerning a RM1.35 million defamation judgment awarded to Lim Guan Eng. The High Court had ordered Muhyiddin to pay the damages after finding he defamed Guan Eng regarding the cancellation of tax exemptions for a charitable foundation.

Justice Roz Mawar Rozain ruled that Guan Eng proved his case, ordering Muhyiddin to pay RM1.05 million in general damages and RM150,000 each for aggravated and exemplary damages. Additionally, Muhyiddin was ordered to pay RM50,000 in costs. The judge noted Muhyiddin's behavior was unreasonable, as he had resources to verify facts but proceeded to make defamatory statements after being informed they were untrue.

Lim Guan Eng is also pursuing a cross-appeal, dissatisfied with the High Court's decision not to award interest on the RM1.35 million sum. Muhyiddin had previously been granted a conditional stay of execution, ordered to pay RM400,000 by December 31, 2024, and the remainder by January 27, 2025. Guan Eng filed the lawsuit over three defamatory statements Muhyiddin posted on Facebook in March 2023, alleging Guan Eng abused his power to impose taxes and penalties on the foundation.