After defamation win, MCA man tells Guan Eng to be transparent

After defamation win, MCA man tells Guan Eng to be transparent


MCA vice-president Tan Teik Cheng has urged DAP chairperson Lim Guan Eng to be “transparent” in the future and not resort to the courts to “silence” critics.

This comes after the Penang High Court dismissed Lim’s defamation suit against Tan yesterday.

“As both a government official in the past and an elected representative now, Lim should be more transparent when responding to scrutiny by the public, not attempt to silence critics using the law.

“As the only Chinese-based political party in Malaysia, MCA will continue to defend the rights and welfare of all Malaysians, including the right to mother tongue education, no matter the threats, provocation, or interference by other parties,” said Tan (above, right).

In March last year, Lim sued Tan for his article, published in The Star, which challenged Lim to state if the latter, as finance minister, had asked SJK(C) Kuek Ho Yao to change its name in exchange for RM4 million in government funds.

Lim has denied setting such a condition. Kuek is known for his charity work and education programmes in Johor. He was one of the co-founders of Southern University College, a non-profit institution. He died in 2012.

Tan’s article appeared prior to the 2022 Johor elections.

Judge Quay Chew Soon in his decision ruled that the comment made by Tan was not defamatory and ordered Lim to pay RM20,000 to Tan and RM30,000 to the newspaper in costs.