Matthias Chang, the ex-political secretary to former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, was taken to jail today to serve a month-long sentence after he refused to pay a RM20,000 fine for

contempt of court.

matthias chang ian chin interview 130608 02 The 60-year-old lawyer, dressed in a grey suit, was whisked to the Kajang Prison after he was served the committal order by the High Court.

Earlier, he arrived at the Jalan Duta Court complex at 9.30am with about 30 supporters and family members.

He was cited for contempt on March 25 when he refused to apologise after an argument with the judge and a lawyer during cross-examination in his defamation suit against American Express (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.

Chang had sued American Express for breach of contract and defamation because his card was suspended.

The same court dismissed the suit the following day after hearing witnesses from both sides.

- Bernama