GEORGETOWN: The High Court today ruled in favour of Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow in his defamation suit against Tan Sri Tan Kok Ping over the latter's remarks about the sale of the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) land in Byram, Batu Kawan.
Judicial Commissioner Datuk Quay Chew Soon, presiding over the proceedings virtually via Zoom, awarded RM350,000 in damages and RM50,000 in costs after finding that Chow successfully proved his case against Tan.
Tan is the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce (PCCC) honorary lifetime president.
In his full judgment, Quay said that Chow had established the defamation claim based on three key elements: the statement in Mandarin made by Tan on Oct 18 last year clearly referred to Chow, contained defamatory content, and was publicly disseminated.
"The defendant specifically emphasised the plaintiff's position as chief minister in the statement. As the head of Penang's administration, it is crucial for the chief minister to possess an impeccable character and a high level of integrity.
"He must be viewed by the public as competent, wise, and deserving of respect. Therefore, when an influential figure like the defendant accuses the plaintiff of being incompetent, ignorant, and shameless, such allegations have the potential to harm the plaintiff's reputation," Quay explained.
Last October, Chow filed the suit against Tan, alleging that the tycoon intentionally made defamatory statements in Mandarin during a press conference to attack his character, credibility, competence, and ability as chief minister and PDC chairman.
Media reports stated that Tan had described Chow as "incompetent, shameless, and ignorant" and accused him of evading questions about the controversial sale of PDC land in Byram.
During the press conference on the 223.6-hectare land sale, Tan also reportedly told Chow, as PDC chairman, to clarify the transaction process.
Separately, on Nov 26, the same court dismissed a defamation suit filed by Tan against Chow regarding the Silver Jubilee Home for the Aged.
The court found that Chow's statements concerning Tan's resignation as a trustee of the care home were factual and made without malice.