The High Court in Kuala Lumpur today ordered PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, former deputy president Syed Husin Ali and a journalist to pay Felda and its subsidiary
Felda Global Ventures (FGV) RM2 million in aggravated and exemplary damages for two defamatory articles which appeared in the party newspaper Suara Keadilan.

This is over the publication of two articles in 2010 titled "Felda Bankrap" (Felda Bankrupt) and "Bina Bangunan RM662 juta Hanya Libatkan Tiga Individu" (Only three people made the decision, on RM662 million new office).

The writer of the articles, Rusnizam Mahat, was the other named as the defendant.

Justice Su Geok Yiam said the initial amount of RM70,000 set by the deputy registrar was excessively low.

“I agree with the submission by the counsel from Felda... considering the gravity of the publication of the libellous article in calling Felda bankrupt. It would send a wrong message in regard to the defamation,” the judge said.

Further, she added, it would trivialise the damages awarded on a statutory body. 

Justice Su also noted that this has affected the share prices of FGV.

“With this, I set aside the decision by the deputy registrar and grant general and aggravated damages of RM2 million,” she said.

Justice Su also ordered Wan Azizah and the other defendants to pay RM25,000 costs to the plaintiffs.

It is learned that the damages of RM2 million to be one of the highest in recent years. 

The highest amount awarded was in the case between Vincent Tan and MGG Pillai in 2000, where the Federal Court awarded RM7 million to the business tycoon.

Yesterday, blogger Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris, better known as Papagomo, paid opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim RM951,260.30 after being ordered to do so by a court.

Felda and FGV are appealing on the quantum of damages after it found that the amount of RM70,000 awarded to be excessively low, along with RM10,000 in costs.

Lawyer Mohd Hafarizam Harun and Nuremilia Mohd Iszeham appeared for Felda and FGV.

The defendants were represented by Francis Pereira, who said he would seek instructions on whether to appeal on the quantum.

Felda and FGV filed an RM200 million suit in August 2010, against the defendants claiming that the articles affected their image and contended that the defendants had intentionally published the articles to destroy the trust and confidence of the Felda settlers. They won the suit.

The decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court, and then remitted to the High Court on the assessment of damages.

In February, the court ordered Wan Azizah and the two others to pay RM70,000 in damages.