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Wong Choo Chieang apologises to Teresa, defamation suit settled

The defamation suit filed by Seputeh Member of Parliament Teresa Kok Suh Sim against former Seputeh DAP branch chairperson Wong Choo Chieang was settled after the latter made an apology in the High Court in Kuala Lumpur today.

Kok filed the suit following Wong’s statement during a press conference on Feb 5, 2014, for allegedly implying that she abused her power and used public funds for personal use.

Wong, 77, as the defendant, read out his apology statement to Kok before Judge Abu Bakar Jais in chambers.

“I, Wong Choo Chieang, a life member of the DAP Malaysia, verily and in good faith, sincerely apologise to YB Teresa Kok Suh Sim for the press statement I issued to the journalists present at the press conference on Feb 5, 2014 and which was reported by the media though the words were not published in the exact words that I have used in my press release,” he said.

Wong also admitted that his statement that was republished by the media could have tarnished, prejudiced and discredited Kok's good will, reputation and image as Seputeh Member of Parliament and also DAP vice-chairperson.

“I also undertake not to repeat these words again in the future,” he said.

The court struck out the suit and thanked both the plaintiff and defendant for agreeing to settle the case without seeking any compensation and costs.

Kok, 52, was represented by counsel SN Nair, while DM Rao acted for Wong.

She filed the suit in December 2014, seeking over RM1 million in damages and an injunction to stop Wong from uttering, writing, publishing or spreading any similar libelous articles against her.

She claimed that Wong’s statement had meant that she was unscrupulous and had fraudulently misused the party’s fund or donations from the public amounting to RM300,000.

Kok said that she had been portrayed as unethical, a corrupt person and a liar, causing her to suffer distress and embarrassment.

- Bernama

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