PUTRAJAYA: Two DAP politicians withdrew their appeals today against a High Court decision which ordered them to pay RM350,000 to former MCA secretary-general Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun for defamation.
Chew also withdrew her cross-appeal against the quantum of damages.
The Court of Appeal's three-member bench comprising Justices Datuk Supang Lian, Datuk Hashim Hamzah and Datuk Wong Kian Kheong subsequently struck out the appeal by the DAP leaders and Chew's cross-appeal with no order to costs.
"We thank parties for coming to a settlement today," said Justice Supang who chaired the bench.
Earlier, lawyer Shahredzan Johan, representing Tony Pua and Yeo Bee Yin, told the court that his clients were withdrawing their appeal with no order to costs.
Chew's lawyer, Rueben Mathiavaranam, confirmed the matter and also informed the court that his client was also withdrawing her cross-appeal with no order to costs.
On Nov 30 last year, the Shah Alam High Court ordered Pua, who is a former Damansara Member of Parliament, to pay RM200,000 and Yeo, who is a former energy, science, technology, environment and climate change minister, to pay RM150,000 in general and aggravated damages to Chew after finding them liable for defaming her.
Rueben, when contacted by Bernama, said that following the withdrawal of the appeals, the High Court decision stands.
"The amount ordered to be paid has been paid to us (his law firm) and held by us pending the outcome of the (appeal) hearing at the Court of Appeal. We are now free to release the said amount to our client," he said.
In March 2018, Chew filed a defamation suit against Pua and Yeo over allegations that she had approved the sale of a piece of land to Selangor MCA below its market price.
Yeo also made a statement on the issue in a Facebook video where she said the land was used for dragon fruit farming. Both Pua and Yeo made the statements in 2017.
The High Court judge had ruled that Chew, a former Petaling Jaya Member of Parliament and former deputy women, family and community development minister, had proved that the impugned statements were defamatory of her.
Judge Datuk Roslan Abu Bakar also found that Pua and Yeo never verified with the relevant authorities or documents whether Chew was actually a member of the district land committee.
The judge also found that the articles published in The Malay Mail Online, Free Malaysia Today and Nanyang Siang Pau had implied that Chew had used her position and influence in the district land committee to enable the acquisition of the land by MCA at below-market price.
The Court of Appeal panel was supposed to hear the appeal and cross-appeal today.
The court proceeding was conducted online.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Oct 11 2023
The Court of Appeal's three-member bench subsequently struck out the appeal by the DAP leaders and Chew's cross-appeal with no order to costs. - Filepic
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.