JUDGMENT

Mohamed Dzaiddin CJ:

The brief facts of the case giving rise to this appeal are as follows. Both the appellant and respondent are senior lawyers practising under the style of their personal names. Some time in March 1996, the appellant made a press statement published in two local English dailies concerning the conduct of the respondent in issuing a dishonoured cheque to the appellant. As a result of the above publication, the respondent sued the appellant and the two English dailies for libel and claimed damages, injunctions and costs.

The High Court gave judgment for the respondent against the three defendants. As against the appellant, the trial judge awarded RM500,000 for compensatory and aggravated damages with interest at the rate of 4% per annum from the date of the press statement, and costs.

The appellant appealed against the whole of the decision. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal against liability. On quantum, it held that the award was excessive and reduced the amount awarded by the High Court. The Court of Appeal did not however disturb the award of interest of 4% per annum.

On further appeal, leave was granted by this court on the following question of