‘SELECTIVE NOISES’

not because of any ‘controversy’ or the fuss created but because the media, especially the pro-opposition ones, were celebrating the fact that a government exco member was in trouble.”

Shafee described as “premature”, claims by certain quarters that MACC could not initiate legal action against Lim.

He was responding to comments that MACC could not bring a defamation suit against individuals as it would allegedly be contrary to accountability and transparency of public service.

“This comment by some opposition lawyers is premature as there is no indication thus far, whether it is the MACC or individuals in MACC who may be launching the defamation suit.

“In Malaysia, it is still not settled if a public body is unable to sue in defamation when defamatory statements made against it cannot be justified or fairly commented upon or made with qualified privilege.

“In Singapore, it is always the norm for the prime minister (suing in his name) or other public personalities to sue in defamation against anyone who without justification defames them. Our Federal Court has not dealt with this issue yet and therefore the law on this is still at large,” he said.