Ramasamy awarded RM150,000 in damages over bribery allegation
GEORGE TOWN : Former Penang deputy chief minister P Ramasamy has been awarded RM150,000 in defamation damages over a video clip in which two men accused him of ignoring a housing scandal.
Judge Norsalha Hamzah ruled that Ramasamy had successfully proven his case against K Elemperu Valuthi and activist Sophian Zain on a balance of probabilities.
Norsalha allowed Ramasamy's claims for RM150,000 in damages, and ordered both defendants to make a written apology. They were also barred from repeating their allegations.
The case stemmed from a video clip in which the two men linked Ramasamy to an alleged bribery scandal involving state housing applications. They claimed Ramasamy took no action despite being informed of wrongdoing.
In the video, Elemperu said 'I already showed Ramasamy and brought the victim to meet him, but still no action was taken' while Sophian added 'an investigation must be carried out on P Ramasamy.'
Ramasamy argued that these remarks implied he had wilfully ignored complaints or was complicit in corrupt acts, thereby defaming his integrity and conduct in public office.
Defence lawyer N Ahilan said his clients' intentions were to raise public awareness about bribery in housing programmes, and not to accuse anyone directly of corruption. Elemperu had earlier told the court that he was merely raising awareness so that no potential house buyers would pay bribes.
However, the judge ruled that the defendants' words clearly referred to Ramasamy, and their open speech in public meant the statements were bound to spread.
After the hearing, Ramasamy said he felt vindicated.
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