KUALA LUMPUR, November 9 — The High Court has ruled that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin must pay RM1.35 million in damages to DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng, following a defamation suit regarding tax exemption claims involving the Albukhary Foundation. Judicial Commissioner Roz Mawar Rozain ruled in favor of Lim, stating that Muhyiddin’s Facebook statements in March 2023 falsely accused Lim of abusing his power to revoke the foundation’s tax exemption.
Roz Mawar found that Muhyiddin’s claims were baseless, inflammatory, and racially charged, noting that he continued making statements even after Lim denied the allegations. The court awarded RM1.05 million for general damages, RM150,000 for aggravated damages, and RM150,000 for exemplary damages. An injunction now prevents Muhyiddin from repeating the statements, and he must also pay RM50,000 in costs. Muhyiddin’s lawyer confirmed plans to appeal, while Lim expressed gratitude, emphasizing his innocence in the matter.
