Govt can sue individuals for defamation

Important decision: Chong (third from left) with (from right) his wife Grace Tan Hui Poh, mother Sim Yaw Sik, father Chong Siew Chiang and counsel Ranjit Singh at the Federal Court after the ruling.

PUTRAJAYA: In a landmark ruling, the Federal Court has decided that the governments at federal and state levels can sue individuals for defamation.

The apex court decided this when it dismissed an appeal by former Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen.