By Chong Chee Seong
2011/01/28
MUAR: The Sessions Court yesterday dismissed a defamation suit by DAP's Bentayan state assemblyman Gwee Tong Hiang against 17 party members.
Judge Mohamed Haldar Abdul Aziz ruled in favour of the defendants as there was insufficient evidence to show they had wanted to defame Gwee.
The case was over the purchase of a building at Taman Sakih, Jalan Sakih here, to be used as the party's district service centre in 2004.
The party had agreed to purchase the building at RM300,000. However, a sale and purchase agreement stated that the building cost RM275,000 .
Gwee, who filed the suit against the 17 members on Oct 29, 2007, claimed to have suffered considerable distress and embarrassment due to an accusation over the missing RM25,000.
He claimed an unspecified amount in damages, including general loss of business as an insurance agent, interest and other costs.
Gwee won the Bentayan seat in the 2008 general election, beating Lee Ching Yong by a majority of 2,796 votes.
The 17 defendants in the suit were DAP members from the Bukit Gambir and Bandar Maharani branches.
They were Ng Cheng Heng, Lim Chiong, Ong Jee Moi, See Ka Kit, Lee Tiong Kang @ Lee Tiong King, Ong Yam Poo and Lee Fu Kaw. Also named were Rose Chen Yeak Ling, Elizabeth Ooi Chui Yeun, Ea Ah Tee, Ng Huat Guan, Lu Yong Lam, Lee Pu Haw, Tio Lian Hua, Tan Soo Kee, Tey Ming Bok and Tan Pee Kee @ Tan Guat Pek.
Gwee was represented by counsel G.F. Nelson while Goh Leong Chong appeared for the defendants.
