KUALA LUMPUR: Former Transport Minister Tan Sri Ong Tee Keat has filed a RM1 million defamation suit against Yayasan Kebajikan Sosial chairman Tan Sri Robert Phang over alleged defamatory statements on him that were published in several Chinese newspapers in June.
The suit was filed by Ong through the law firm of Messrs Tan, Goh & Associates at the e-filing counter of the Seremban High Court in Negeri Sembilan yesterday. However, the case is due to be heard at the High Court here.
His lawyer Tan Foong Luen circulated copies of the documents to members of the media at a press conference here yesterday.
In his statement of claim, Ong, 58, alleged that Phang whose real name is Phang Miow Sin, 75, had falsely and maliciously issued statements that allegedly defamed him which were subsequently carried in the Nanyang Siang Pau, Sin Chew Daily, China Press and Oriental Daily newspapers in June.
Ong, who is also a former president of MCA, further alleged that among others, the statements depicted him as an ingrate, hypocrite and an unethical person.
He added that his solicitors had sent a letter of demand on Aug 19 demanding that Phang retract the statements and offer a public apology but the latter refused to do so.
Ong is seeking general damages of RM8 million, RM4 million in aggravated damages, exemplary damages, interest and costs.
Tan said Ong’s legal team had written to lawyer S N Nair, who is representing Phang, regarding the suit. — Bernama