"Enough Is Enough," Says MCA's Michael Chong. Sues Chinese Daily For Defamation

The very name Michael Chong conjures up images of a good samaritan who is always there to give a helping hand to those in dire need. But apparently even he is not spared the innuendoes and rumours which affect lesser mortals like us.

Therefore it did come as a surprise when the NST reported that the MCA Public Service and Complaints Department chief filed a defamation suit against Guang Ming Daily for publishing a report which allegedly referred him as "Ah Long King".

The suit was filed at the High Court (Civil Division) Registry through Messrs Amrit & Co. Named as defendants in the suit were the Chinese daily’s publisher, Guang-Ming RiBao Sdn Bhd, and chief editor, Ch’ng Li Suang.

In the statement of claim, Chong said that daily had on Dec 8, 2006, published a report which gave a meaning that he was "Ah Long King" and supported unlicensed money lending activities. The report also carried a meaning that he could not be trusted, a criminal, a liar and a dishonest person and not fit to head the MCA Public Service and Complaints Department, he said.

Because of the report, Chong said, he was hated, ridiculed and humiliated by society members, friends, staff and members of MCA and other political parties. Also following the report, the public had called him “Ah Long King” and he had been summoned by the MCA president for explanation on unlicensed money lending activities.

He said the publication of the report had severely tarnished his professional status, character and reputation and exposed him to public scandal.

Besides exemplary and aggravated damages, he sought an injunction to prevent the defendants from repeating or publishing the alleged defamatory sentences. He also sought an apology from the defendants and to have it published in all media which had published the alleged defamatory sentences.

Meanwhile, MCA Public Service and Complaints Department chief legal adviser Datuk Theng Book told reporters that Chong was seeking RM10 million in damages.

***** There is one thing which I can't understand and that is, why he waited a whole six months before taking legal action. If it were anyone else who had been scandalized and had their reputation tarnished like this, they would have moved immediately to stop further publication of such rumours as well as sought to punish the perpetrators of such unfounded allegations. Delays in taking action gives cause for suspicion that the aspersions may after all be true. Considering the invaluable assistance that he has given to so many people all these years, that will be doing grave injustice to a good samaritan. It is hoped that this law suit will settle once and for all the character assassination of this MCA icon.
Image - Source