NSTP practised responsible journalism, ruled High Court

The High Court here Friday ruled that The New Straits Times Press (M) Berhad (NSTP) had practised responsible journalism in its publication of a report pertaining to six individuals being sought by police.

Justice Datuk Nor Bee Ariffin said the article under the heading, '6 Penjenayah Buruan Utama', which appeared in Harian Metro on Oct 20, 2012, was published in public interest by NSTP without mala fide.

Lorry driver Azri Abdullah, 32, who was identified as one of the six individuals, filed the defamation suit against NSTP and Harian Metro reporter, Wan Asrul Wan Hasan in 2013, seeking RM500,000 in damages.

The judge, in striking out the suit and ordering Azri to pay RM10,000 costs to the defendants, said the plaintiff had failed to prove that the article had slandered him.

Azri had alleged in his statement of claim, that he was made to appear like a criminal through publication of the Press report and his photograph.

He claimed the article had portrayed him to be a criminal involved in armed robbery, on the authorities' wanted list and very dangerous.

Azri contended he had never been regarded as a criminal by the authorities, was only sought to facilitate police investigations and had not been charged for any offence as reported in the article.

He claimed that he suffered contempt and could no longer live normally in the face of public odium as a result of the report.

Azri was represented by counsel Mohd Razlan Jalaludin while the defendants, by M. Rueben and G. Navinthar.