March decision on Ling's bid to strike out Najib's suit

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court will decide in March on an application by former transport minister Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik to strike out Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's suit against him over an article allegedly saying that he had misused public funds.

Ling's counsel Villie Netchi told reporters that Justice Nor Bee Ariffin had fixed March 23 for decision after meeting the parties in chambers during case management Friday.

Nor Emelia Mohd Iszeham appeared for Najib.

Ling filed the application on Feb 15 on grounds that the suit is an abuse of the court process and that it did not state reasonable reason.

The Prime Minister is suing Dr Ling over his remarks allegedly implying that he had misused public funds for his personal interest.

In his suit, Najib said an online news portal published an article on Oct 3 quoting Dr Ling's statements against him while attending a ceremony at Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

In his statement of claim filed on Oct 27, Najib is seeking damages and an injunction to restrain Dr Ling from further speaking or publishing or causing to be published any similar defamatory words against him.

The Prime Minister is also asking for an order that Dr Ling publish a written apology in newspapers or magazines to be identified by him.

In his statement of defence, Dr Ling denied all the allegations and said the civil claim is frivolous and vexatious.

He said that since Najib had admitted that RM2.6bil was indeed transferred into his personal bank account, he is relying on the defence of fair comment and qualified privilege for his remarks.

He also denied tarnishing Najib's reputation.

Dr Ling counter-sued Najib over his libel suit on Dec 14, saying that the Prime Minister had not pursued action for defamation against others, including Umno leaders, who had repeatedly criticised his conduct and integrity on various occasions.