Santhara files defamation suit against Batu MP Prabkaran
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28: Segamat MP Datuk Seri Dr Santhara Kumar has filed a defamation action against Batu MP P. Prabkaran for allegedly using disparaging language during the former Deputy Federal Territories Minister’s tour to New Zealand.
According to Malaysiakini, Santhara Kumar, 50, filed the action in the High Court here on June 23 via Messrs N. Krishnan Nair & Co, claiming Prabkaran, 25, as the lone defendant.
According to the plaintiff’s statement of claim, the defendant conducted a press conference outside the New Zealand High Commission on March 17 between 9.30 a.m. and 2 p.m., providing incorrect and misleading information about the plaintiff’s obligations as a deputy minister, reported Malaysiakini.
The plaintiff claimed that the defendant or his representative had submitted a memorandum to the New Zealand High Commission criticising the plaintiff’s approval and permission to visit New Zealand, and that the defendant had also contacted officials at the embassy to obtain personal information and the plaintiff’s permission to enter the country.
The plaintiff had trespassed and entered New Zealand unlawfully, without complying with or respecting the country’s laws, according to the former Deputy Federal Territories Minister, and the authorities should take necessary action against the plaintiff.
Santhara Kumar further alleged that Prabkaran spoke at a press conference on May 28 to notify the public that the defendant had received a legal notice from the plaintiff’s attorneys, and that the plaintiff had bullied, been unjust, and intimidated the defendant as a young politician.
The plaintiff sought an injunction to prevent him or his representatives from making additional defamatory remarks.
The plaintiff is requesting exemplary, aggravated, and compensatory damages, as well as a declaration of apology and retraction to be published in three local newspapers in Malay, English, and Tamil, as well Mandarin.
Meanwhile, in a statement of defence submitted on September 8, Prabkaran stated that the remarks he made had no intentional purpose to damage the plaintiff’s image or character.
The issue has been scheduled for case management on October 13.
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