Putrajaya has been urged to intervene and stop the MCMC from using public funds to file defamation suits against its critics, following the Shah Alam High Court’s ruling against Australian blogger Murray Hunter.

Former MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya argued that government agencies have “no business” suing members of the public over criticism, warning that such actions could have a chilling effect on free expression and public debate over the conduct of public institutions.