High Court dismisses Hannah Yeoh’s defamation suit against ex-IGP Musa Hassan over UiTM forum remarks, cites free speech

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KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 — The High Court here today dismissed a defamation suit filed by Segambut Member of Parliament Hannah Yeoh against former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan over remarks he made during a forum at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) four years ago.

Judicial Commissioner (JC) Arziah Mohamed Apandi ruled after finding that the plaintiff had failed to establish that the defendant’s (Musa) statements were defamatory.

“I find that in this case, the occasion (where the forum was held) to be privileged, no malice was proven and that defendant had reasonable grounds for his statements based on the plaintiff’s admissions and writings (in her book ‘Becoming Hannah’) and the publication (of defendant’s statements) was beyond his control,” she said.

JC Arziah further said that the constitutional right to freedom of expression must be robustly protected, especially in matters of public interest and statements made during privileged occasions.

“While responsible speech is important, public figures must expect and tolerate robust criticism and debate regarding their public statements and actions. For these reasons, the plaintiff’s claim is dismissed, with costs of RM40,000,” she said when delivering today’s decision via email. — Bernama

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