JUDGMENT

Shoba Dorai Rajah JC:

Introduction

[1] My judgment concerns plaintiff's claim against the defendants for defamation. The plaintiff, a Malaysian citizen and senior politician, previously served as Malaysia's Minister of Finance. He was also Chairman of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) and Member of Parliament for Bagan (P043). The 1st Defendant is a Member of Parliament and former Minister of Housing and Local Government. The 2nd Defendant operates the online news portal Malaysia Now, while the 3rd Defendant is a media entity responsible for publishing and republishing articles on that portal.

[2] This judgment concerns two appeals filed by both the plaintiff and the defendants against my decision delivered on 5 March 2026. Specifically:

(A) The defendants appeal against the entirety of the decision, challenging the finding of liability and the allowance of the plaintiff's claim; and

(B) The plaintiff appeals solely against the quantum of damages, contending that the award of RM50,000.00 was inadequate.

A. Defendants Appeal Against The Entirety Of The Decision

Brief Material Background

[3] The plaintiff brings this action against the defendants for defamation, arising from oral and