Pahang govt demands apology, RM1mil in damages from Bentong MP over allegedly defamatory social media posts

KUANTAN: The Pahang government is demanding an apology and RM1mil in damages from Bentong MP Wong Tack for allegedly making defamatory statements on logging activities in the state.

In a letter of demand issued by its lawyer, the state government claimed that Wong had posted videos to social media on Dec 28 last year and on Jan 30 this year that contained defamatory statements.

It said the statements, when read collectively or separately, had implied that the state government allowed uncontrolled logging in rainfall areas until it led to terrible floods.

It added that the statements also implied that the state government was involved and was the source of illegal logging and land clearing in the state's forests.

It also said that the statements implied that the state government was irresponsible and did not care about the welfare of the people of Pahang as well as lying to and oppressing the people by allowing widespread logging activities in the forests of Pahang.

"It is clear the defamatory statements are false and without basis. As a result, our client has received all manner of negative responses from the public which damaged the reputation and the good name of our client," the letter of demand read.

It added that the DAP MP's irresponsible behaviour with his statements had caused the state government to be accused by the public as a deceitful government that had no integrity and was irresponsible.

It demanded Wong to tender an unconditional apology to the state government publicly and on all mass and social media, especially on Facebook and Instagram.

It said the apology must be approved by their side first and must remain on Wong's accounts in perpetuity.

Additionally, the state government demanded RM1mil in damages from Wong for causing it to be looked down upon and for damaging its image.

Wong has been given 14 days to respond to the letter or a claim would be filed in court.

In response to the letter of demand, Wong said it was a "low blow" from the state government.

He said it was his duty to speak up for the people as an elected representative.

"If what I have said is not true, prove it!" Wong said in a post on his official Facebook page Wednesday (Feb 16).