High Court Dismisses Application To Strike Out RM10 Million Defamation Suit

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Bernama) -- The High Court here Wednesday dismissed with costs, an application by Kapar Member of Parliament, S. Manikavasagam to strike out a suit by former Sentul police chief, ACP K. Kumaran.

The RM10 million defamation suit against Manikavasagam was in connection with a news report on the death of a young actress.

Deputy Registrar Azhaniz Teh Azman Teh made the decision in his chambers when the case was brought before him.

On Sept 4, last year, Manikavasagam had filed the application to strike out the suit, claiming it was frivolous and vexatious and an abuse of the court process.

Manikavasagam claimed that Kumaran, in filing the action, had violated civil servants' regulations stipulated in the General Orders and the Police Act.

In his affidavit, Manikavasagam also claimed that he did not commit defamation as alleged because he lodged a police report on July 27, last year on the death of the actress, K. Sujatha.

In that report, Manikavasagam had asked the police to investigate the death in detail.

On Aug 8, last year, Kumaran filed the defamation suit against Manikavasagam, Makkal Osai's editor M. Rajintheram, the daily and its distributor.

Besides the RM10 million, Kumaran is also seeking damages for "tort of conspiracy", aggravated and exemplary damages.

In his statement of claim, Kumaran alleged that the published article had caused serious damage to his credibility.

-- BERNAMA

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