Julie Lack J:

GROUNDS OF JUDGMENT Introduction

[1]This is an action by the Plaintiff for defamation which arose from the publication of statements by the Defendant found on the WhatsApp group known as “Taiwan University Alumni Association Negeri Sembilan (“TUAANS WhatsApp Group”).

[2]The Defendant disputed the claim, denying that he was the author of those alleged statements and alternatively he raised the defence of justification and fair comment.

Parties

[3]In the year 2016 the Plaintiff was a member of Chung Yuan University (Taiwan) Alumni Association Malaysia (CYUAA) which nominated him for the position of President in the Federation of Alumni Association of Taiwan Universities Malaysia (FAATUM).

[4]The Defendant was the Vice President of the Federation of Alumni Association of Taiwan Universities Malaysia.

Brief Background Facts

[5]The Annual General Meeting and election of the 22^nd Election and Appointment of General Committee Members for FAATUM was set on 17.4.2016. At the meeting the Plaintiff was elected as its President.

[6]On or about 16.12.2016, it came to light that the registration of CYUAA had been revoked on or about 8.6.2015. This information was received via letter written