KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki has filed a defamation lawsuit against news agency Bloomberg over the publication of an article he alleged was baseless, Sinar Harian reports.
The Malay language daily reported that Azam, as the plaintiff, filed the suit through law firm Zain Megat & Murad at the High Court of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur on Friday (Feb 20), naming Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd as defendants.
Zain Megat & Murad said the civil action concerned the publication of an article that allegedly contained defamatory elements against its client.
“Through this lawsuit, our client is seeking appropriate damages as well as an order for a permanent injunction.
“Our client maintained that all the allegations were baseless and initiated these legal proceedings to defend his reputation,” the firm said in a statement.
According to the statement, the firm also urged all parties to respect the ongoing judicial process as the matter had now been formally filed in court.
Previously, media reports said Azam was seeking RM100mil in damages, alleging that a Bloomberg report had harmed his reputation and professional standing.
The law firm representing Azam issued a letter of demand to Bloomberg after the report, which was described as defamatory and related to allegations that he owned millions of shares in a financial services company.
In its report, Bloomberg alleged that the MACC chief commissioner owned shares in a financial services company, based on corporate filings.
However, Azam insisted that his shareholding, valued at RM800,000, in a financial services company was acquired transparently and in accordance with procedures.
