KUALA LUMPUR: Gerakan member Chia Loong Thye, 50, failed yesterday in his bid to
stop the launch of a book which he alleged contains words defamatory to him.
High Court judge Datuk Abdul Wahab Patail dismissed Chia's
application for an interim injunction to stop the launch at 11am, about five
hours before the book entitled Non-Sectarian Politics in Malaysia: The Case of
Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia was due to hit the market in Penang.
Chia, the Gerakan's candidate for the Tanjung Bungah state seat in Penang in the
March 8 general election but who lost, had named the book's co-authors Neil Khor
Jin Keong and Khoo Kay Peng, publisher Trafalgar Publishing House Sdn Bhd and
its printer Setiakawan Printers Sdn Bhd as defendants.
In his affidavit, Chia, a lawyer, said several words contained in the book
alleged, without any foundation or basis, that he was a person who lacked
integrity.
"It further alleged that I had 'sold out' and compromised Gerakan. The terms
'sold out' and 'compromised the party' essentially means that I have betrayed
the party and cannot be trusted with the leadership of Gerakan.
"This is completely and utterly untrue."
Chia, the younger brother of Gerakan secretary-general Datuk Seri Chia Kwang
Chye, was represented by counsel Bahari Yeow Tien Hong, while Khor, the
publisher and printer were represented by Daphne Chong. Counsel Douglas Yee
appeared for Khoo.
In Penang, Khoo said he was happy that the book launch could proceed despite
attempts to scuttle it through legal challenges.
"I just don't know how a book that tells the Gerakan story can be interpreted as
an attempt to defame someone.
"It is all in their heads actually," he said.
The 186-page book charts the rise and fall of Gerakan from its formation, its
struggles and the dynamics of its relationship within Barisan Nasional.
Khoo and Khor also point out how Gerakan has not been consistent in adhering to
a non-racial Malaysian policy.
Also included in the book are what its authors consider the party's internal
weaknesses, its descent into the politics of patronage, dissension in the ranks
and the indecisiveness issue this year over who would succeed Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu
Koon as Penang chief minister.
Present at the launch was one of the Gerakan's most outspoken leaders, Datuk Dr
Toh Kin Woon, who also wrote the foreword in the book.
Also present was Trafalgar Publishing House chairman Datuk Seri Nazir Ariff.
CORRECTION MADE written by Stephen Tan Ban Cheng,
Friday, August 01 2008 10:53 am
Correction:
Chia, the younger brother of Gerakan secretary-general Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye, was represented by counsel Bahari Yeow Tien Hong, while Khor, the publisher and printer were represented by Daphne Chong. Counsel Douglas Yee appeared for Khoo.
The lawyer's publisher is now correctly named.
Chia, the younger brother of Gerakan secretary-general Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye, was represented by counsel Bahari Yeow Tien Hong, while Khor, the publisher and printer were represented by Daphne Choy. Counsel Douglas Yee appeared for Khoo.
Stephen Tan Ban Cheng
What Is written by Ding Chu Teck,
Friday, August 01 2008 03:03 pm
If one is too concerned about one's so-called 'integrity', then, in the first instance, one should not stand for elections nor taking part in active politics.
If Chia feels that he has been defamed, then of course he can always resort to defamation suit, I suppose.
Anyway, I have yet to read the book.
Ding Chu Teck
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Correction:
Chia, the younger brother of Gerakan secretary-general Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye, was represented by counsel Bahari Yeow Tien Hong, while Khor, the publisher and printer were represented by Daphne Chong. Counsel Douglas Yee appeared for Khoo.
The lawyer's publisher is now correctly named.
Chia, the younger brother of Gerakan secretary-general Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye, was represented by counsel Bahari Yeow Tien Hong, while Khor, the publisher and printer were represented by Daphne Choy. Counsel Douglas Yee appeared for Khoo.
Stephen Tan Ban Cheng