Richard Malanjum J:

[1] This is a claim by the plaintiff against the defendants for damages, as well as for injunction and costs for libel contained in an article ('Ex PIA') appearing under the heading of 'Why stoop so low to scoop so little' published in the 22 June 1986 Ed of the 'People's Mirror', a local daily newspaper (hereinafter referred to as 'the People's Mirror').

[2] The plaintiff is the former Tuan Yang Terutama Yang Di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, from 1981 to 1 April 1985. And from 7 July 1970 to March 1981, he was the Chief Minister of Sarawak. Prior to attaining those positions, the plaintiff held various jobs and positions, ranging from being a magistrate and a deputy public prosecutor to Federal Education Minister of Malaysia.

[3] In his testimony, the plaintiff stated that he was also a member of the Supreme Council of the World Muslim League and a member of the Central Executive Committee of the World Muslim Congress. In recognition for his services, the plaintiff has been bestowed with several awards in Malaysia and has also been awarded with several foreign decorations. He is also a member of the Lincoln's Inn, London where he read law.

[4] At the material t