On April 20 Malaysiakini.com reported that it received a letter from legal firm Shearn Delamore & Co, which represents chief minister Abdul Taib Mahmud. In the letter the chief minister charged that the eight articles linking the minister and his family to corruption are defamatory and demanded for their removal. Malaysiakini was also asked to publish a full public retraction and an apology.

The letter threatened legal action against Malaysiakini if it did not comply to the demands.

When contacted by CIJ, Shearn Delamore & Co confirmed that it has sent the letter demanding the removal of the articles.

Malaysiakini.com published between April 6-14 a series of articles about corrupt practices in the timber trade by the state government and businesses connected to the chief ministers' family involving a large sum of money. The articles followed an expose by a Japanese newspaper about tax evasion by several Japanese companies having business relations with Sarawakian companies.

While respecting the right of the individual to seek protection from defamation, CIJ is concerned that the high-handedness of the minister violates the public's right to know about an issue of public interest. The legal threat would have a chilling-effect on press freedom and prevent their duty to report to the public.

CIJ urges the minister to desist from suing Malaysiakini.com and counter the skepticism raised by answering to the public.

The Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia (CIJ) aspires for a society that is democratic, just and free where all people will enjoy free media and the freedom to express, seek, and impart information.

Ends

Issued by
Sonia Randhawa
Executive Director

For more information, please contact Wai Fong at 03 4023 0772