The Court of Appeal in Putrajaya today upheld a High Court order that The New Straits Times Press (M) Sdn Bhd (NSTP) pay RM200,000 in damages to People’s Progressive Party (PPP) president M Kayveas for defamation.

A three-member panel chaired by Justice Balia Yusof Wahi unanimously dismissed NSTP’s appeal against the decision of the High Court which was delivered on Jan 13, this year.

Justice Balia said the court did not find any merit in NSTP’s appeal.

The panel which also comprised Justices Hamid Sultan Abu Backer and Dr Badariah Sahamid also ordered NSTP to pay RM15,000 in legal costs to Kayveas.

Kayveas sued PPP's former member of its supreme council N Shanmuganathan and NSTP over an article titled ‘Kayveas party financial figures don’t add up’ which he claimed had defamed him.

He had earlier obtained a judgment against Shanmuganathan.

In his statement of claim, Kayveas said a reporter from NSTP had attended a press conference which was held by Shanmuganathan in Putrajaya on June 22, 2009 and the article was published in its daily the following day.

He claimed that the article had tarnished his name and reputation and caused him shame and suffering as well as jeopardised his position as PPP president.

In their statement of defence, NSTP claimed qualified privilege and said they had the responsibility to do so as a matter of public interest.

Kayveas was represented by lawyer Muralee Menon while Nad Segaram appeared for NSTP.

- Bernama