Jeff Ooi Loses Slander Suit

Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi is planning to appeal and apply for a stay on proceedings after the Penang High Court dismissed a defamation suit he brought against Gerakan deputy secretary-general Dr Thor Teong Ghee.

He was also ordered to pay RM20,000 costs to Thor.

"We will file the appeal as soon as possible. We have a month to do it. We believe we have a strong case and we are not giving up," Ooi said.

Ooi filed the suit accusing Thor (right) of "maliciously defaming" his profession and honour after the latter allegedly called him “stupid and recalcitrant” in a press conference in 2010.

However, High Court judge Nurmala Salim dismissed the case, stating that Ooi had failed to state the exact words used in the original language in his statement of claim.

She did not agree that the words ‘stupid and recalcitrant’ in Chinese were used in circumstances that were personally directed to Ooi.

"It was in relation to the issue on radiation waves from telecommunication towers," she added, referring to Thor's active involvement on those issues, which he had constantly highlighted against the state government.

Ooi happens to be the chairman of the Penang Development Corporation Telecommunications Services Sdn Bhd.

Nurmala also said Ooi's lawyer, RSN Rayer, who is Seri Delima assemblyman, failed to prove that Ooi’s image and reputation was tarnished as he went on to win the Jelutong MP seat with a bigger majority in the 2013 general election.

"We concur with the defendants that 'stupid and recalcitrant' are commonly used words by Malaysians when they are angry and in an argument. Therefore in this case the words are not defamatory. The plaintiff has failed to prove his case,” she said.

Thor was represented by lawyer and Gerakan national legal and human rights bureau chief, Baljit Singh.


Source: Malaysiakini