MP's special assistant fails to get stay of execution in defamation suit
KUCHING: The Court of Appeal here has dismissed the application by Michael Kong, a special assistant to the Sarawak DAP chairman, for a stay of execution on the High Court's decision in the defamation suit initiated by businessman Datuk Richard Wee until his appeal is disposed off.
The High Court had on Jan 26 last year found Kong, who is Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board chairman, guilty of defaming Wee in a Facebook posting.
Kong was ordered to pay Wee RM200,000 in damages, with five per cent interest per annum from the date of the posting's publication in July 2020 until full settlement. The court also ordered Kong to pay the legal costs amounting to RM50,000.
The Court of Appeal, in dismissing Kong's stay application, also ordered the immediate removal of his Facebook post.
Kong said later the total amount he was required to pay amounted to around RM310,000, which comprised the judgment sum of RM200,000, the accrued interest and costs amounting to RM60,000 and legal cost of RM50,000.
He said while it was deeply regrettable that such a hefty amount must be paid before the Court of Appeal hears and decide on the merits of the appeal, he nevertheless would respect and comply with the High Court's decision.
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