Guan Eng sues Muhyiddin over repeated defamation, demands apology
27 Mar 2023 02:21pm
Lim Guan Eng (left), Muhyiddin Yassin
Lim, 63, in his statement of claim said Muhyiddin slandered him on his Facebook page after he was released from Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) custody on March 9.
Lim further claimed that the slanderous statement, among other things, meant that he as the then finance minister had canceled tax exemption approved for Al-Bukhary Foundation.
Lim, the Bagan MP further said that the statement was deliberately made to seek cheap publicity and try to divert public attention as Muhyiddin knew that media attention at that time was focused on him.
"It also means that I abused my position and power to order the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) to impose taxes and penalties on charitable foundations, even though they should not be taxed," he said.
He said Muhyiddin was asked to apologise and withdraw the three defamatory statements and to publish them on Pagoh's MP's Facebook and Twitter accounts and in all newspapers within seven days from the date of the judgment.
Lim, the plaintiff also seeks general and punitive damages, including an injunction to prevent the defendant or its agents from issuing or publishing defamatory statements.
The suit was filed at the High Court Registry Office here on Monday through Messrs Guok Partnership naming the former prime minister as the sole defendant.
On March 22, Sinar reported that Lim lodged a police report against Muhyiddin over the accusation. Lim said the report was made after Muhyiddin's repeated defamation against him in media statements and press conferences on March 11 and 12.
Lim further challenged Muhyiddin to show evidence that he had canceled tax exemptions for the foundation.
