Crime & Courts

[UPDATED] Siti Mastura pays RM830,000 to DAP leaders pending appeal [WATCH]

GEORGE TOWN: Pas lawmaker Dr Siti Mastura Muhammad, who lost a defamation suit filed by three DAP leaders, has paid RM830,034.75 to their law firm, her lawyer said today.

Addressing journalists via a Zoom call this morning, Siti Mastura's lawyer, Yusfarizal Yussoff, said she has already settled the sum.

"The defendant, Dr Siti Mastura, has already made a payment to (Datuk) Nair's firm account for the judgment sum, on the condition that the money will be held in the solicitor's account pending the appeal in the Court of Appeal," he said.

"This arrangement has been agreed upon by both parties. I believe (Datuk) Nair can confirm that," he added.

Lawyer SN Nair said that they had received a cheque late last night, stating that the amount was inclusive of interest as of today, totalling RM830,034.75.

"Although the cheque is, of course, subject to clearance, I believe the party is good for it. My clients are happy with this arrangement, and we can accept it. With this agreement recorded, we will issue the necessary undertakings and proceed accordingly," Nair said.

"We await the Court of Appeal hearing and thank Yusfarizal for being very cordial throughout this process," he added.

Nair told NST that his clients are eagerly awaiting the appeal to further "cement their legal victory."

"Based on the grounds of judgement by the High Court, the prospects of success appear good, he added.

Yusfarizal later said the notice of appeal has been filed and the Court of Appeal has fixed March 13 for hearing.

The High Court had scheduled today to decide whether the PAS lawmaker could delay paying damages to DAP veterans Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang, his son Lim Guan Eng, and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok.

Last December, the High Court found Siti Mastura guilty of defamation for linking the DAP trio to the late Communist Party of Malaya leader Chin Peng during her campaign for the Kemaman by-election in 2023.

The High Court had ruled that statements made by Siti Mastura against them were defamatory and unsupported by evidence.

Judge Datuk Quay Chew Soon, in delivering the judgment, said the defendant acted with malice and rejected her defences of fair comment and qualified privilege.

The court ordered Siti Mastura to pay RM300,000 in damages to Kit Siang, RM250,000 to Guan Eng and RM200,000 to Teresa Kok.

In addition, RM25,000 was awarded to each plaintiff as legal costs.

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