Malaysian Indian United Party (MUIP) president S Nallakaruppan was found liable by the High Court in Kuala Lumpur today of making defamatory statements against opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim in 2008.

Justice Su Geok Yiam made the ruling in chambers after allowing Anwar’s application to strike out Nallakaruppan’s defence.

Lawyer Latheefa Koya, representing Anwar, told reporters that Nallakaruppan, who is a senator, was also ordered to pay damages and costs to Anwar, which would be assessed by the senior assistant registrar later.

She said Anwar had filed to strike out Nallakaruppan’s defence on grounds that he (Nalalkaruppan) failed to furnish further and better particulars on the allegations he made against Anwar.

She also said that Nallakaruppan’s lawyer, Muhammad Shafee Abdullah would appeal against the decision and was ordered by the court to file a formal application to stay the decision.

Anwar filed the suit on Aug 25, 2008 over an alleged derogatory remarks by Nallakaruppan in an article, ‘Anwar terima RM60 juta’ (Anwar receives RM60 million) which were published in the Mingguan Malaysia and Sinar Harian newspapers in Aug 2008.

In his defence, Nallakaruppan said there was no malicious intent and that the statements were made under qualified privilege.

- Bernama