KUALA LUMPUR - The High Court has dismissed the defamation suit filed by Segambut Member of Parliament Hannah Yeoh against former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan over statements made during a forum at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) four years ago.
Judicial Commissioner (JC) Arziah Mohamed Apandi ruled after finding the plaintiff had failed to establish the defendant’s statements were defamatory. "I find the occasion of the forum to be privileged, no malice was proven, and the defendant had reasonable grounds for his statements based on the plaintiff’s admissions and writings, as well as the publication’s control beyond his influence," she stated.
JC Arziah emphasized the constitutional right to freedom of expression, noting its necessity for public interest discussions, especially during occasions deemed privileged. She elaborated, "While responsible speech is important, public figures must expect and tolerate the spirited criticism and debate of their public statements and actions." Consequently, the plaintiff’s claim was dismissed, along with costs of RM40,000.
She also noted, "The defendant was merely an invited speaker and was unaware of the forum’s broadcast until after it had concluded. He had no control over publication. The evidence shows less than one percent engagement rates, and there were no negative comments directed at the plaintiff, indicating no widespread dissemination of the publication caused by him."
During the forum, which discussed national security issues, the former IGP spoke on perceived security threats. "The event was organized under the Institution of the Malay Rulers Chair, which lends it significance," noted JC Arziah. "The former IGP had social and moral obligations to speak on matters impacting national security, aligning with the audience's interest."
She highlighted the lack of malice, stating the defendant’s remarks stemmed from academic analysis and were pertinent to broader national security concerns, reiteration of which he was ethically obliged to fulfill.
Meanwhile, Hannah Yeoh's legal counsel, Lim Wei Jiet, confirmed intentions to appeal immediately following the ruling. Yeoh filed the lawsuit after Musa’s comments made during the January 30 forum. She claimed those remarks included accusations relating to her public image and character, alleging Musa implied her book "Becoming Hannah" was aimed at promoting Christian interests to undermine Islam, asserting it was both unfounded and malicious.
Responding to the court ruling, Musa expressed gratitude through his legal representation, thanking those who supported him. He remarked, "I will continue speaking on issues related to national interest and will remain committed to the Republic's defense against internal and external threats as provided by the Federal Constitution."
