PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim is seeking RM2 million in total damages against Sistem Televisyen Malaysia Bhd (TV3) over a 2013 Buletin Utama report that alleged he was involved in the Lahad Datu incursion in Sabah.

Representing Anwar, lawyer Ambiga Sreenevasan described TV3 as a “serial offender” when it comes to defamation, and claimed that the amount is warranted as it sensationalised and painted her client as a traitor to the country.

Ambiga cited several cases where TV3 was asked to pay damages for defamation, and also brought up Anwar’s defamation suit against Utusan Malaysia for a report alleging the same. The Umno-owned newspaper later retracted the article and apologised.

"TV3 relied on the Utusan Malaysia report for the television station's Buletin Utama report.

“When I cross-examined TV3's Kamaruddin Mape, he agreed that he did not verify and check the source of articles, namely two Philippine publications and a Reuters report," the senior lawyer said.

"Utusan decided to withdraw the article, but TV3 maintained the lie for five years, and they have to pay for it.

“This is especially so that when the defamatory report was made before the general election in 2013, and with the 14th general election coming, they should be given a deterrent to stop such false reporting," she added.

Anwar is seeking RM500,000 each for aggravated and exemplary damages, and a further RM1 million for general damages.

Ambiga cited the recent Court of Appeal decision where TV3 was ordered to pay former Malaysian Bar president Manjeet Singh Dhillon RM200,000 for defamation as an example of the television station being found liable.

Anwar is seeking RM500,000 for aggravated and exemplary damages individually and a further RM1 million for general damages.

'As a whole'

The former opposition leader filed the suit in 2013 seeking RM100 million in damages but under the Rules of Court 2012, the claimant cannot specify a figure.

Ambiga argued that an amount of RM2 million was warranted as the former opposition leader was previously awarded RM800,000 in damages from blogger Papagomo.

It was reported that Utusan had retracted its front page report in 2016 and expressed regret over its publication which was used as a basis for TV3's Buletin Utama news.

TV3's lawyer TK Liew said the RM2 million sought was excessive and such an amount had never been awarded for defamation over the past 10 years.

Liew said the television station felt their broadcast was correct as it was based on several reputable sources.

"The court should take the report as a whole and not look solely at what is said in Anwar's statement of claim," he said.

Liew said that the Reynold's defence stipulated it was not necessary for the station to get comments from a person if what is reported is deemed correct and of public interest.

Justice Ahmad Zaidee Ibrahim fixed May 14 to deliver his verdict.