MP to AG: Explain The Edge former editor-in-chief criminal defamation charge

Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng has joined in a chorus of calls demanding an explanation from the attorney-general (AG) on why a former editor-in-chief of The Edge is now facing criminal defamation offences over two news reports it had published.

Lim, in a statement today, also questioned why the allegedly defamed businessperson and defamed companies are not allowed to seek redress in civil courts.

Further, he noted that the AG possessed the prerogative to institute or discontinue any proceedings.

“As much as we acknowledge that the AG has the prerogative to exercise his discretion, to institute or discontinue any proceedings for an offence, other than proceedings before a Syariah court, a native court or a court-martial, he is duty bound to explain to the public about his decision to use criminal defamation with taxpayers’ money when it is the reputation of a corporate figure and public listed companies that are involved.

“The AG should also explain, moving forward, if that means that any defamed individuals and commercial entities can now lodge police reports and expect criminal defamation action by the AG,” said Lim.

Yesterday, The Edge’s former editor-in-chief Ahmad Azam Mohd Aris (above) was charged under the Penal Code at two separate Magistrates’ Court in Petaling Jaya over two news reports published on the penny stock surge in 2020.

Azam was charged with two counts under Section 500 of the Penal Code for criminal defamation, and a current editor M Shanmugam was named in one.

Section 500 carries imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both.

Azam pleaded not guilty to both charges.

According to a copy of the charge sheet, Azam and Shanmugam had allegedly defamed Kua Khai Shyuan, DGB Asia Bhd, Trive Property Group Bhd, Metronic Global Bhd and MNC Wireless Bhd in the portal’s reports.

Shanmugam was granted a discharge not amounting to acquittal in the meantime.

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