Uggah’s defamation suit against PKR’s Vernon begins
KUCHING: The first day of the hearing of a defamation suit filed by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah against PKR Sarawak information chief Vernon Kedit began yesterday at the High Court here.
Vernon, who was present in court as a member of the audience, is being sued for allegedly calling Uggah, among other things, a ‘liar’ and ‘ traitor’ in the WhatsApp group ‘PKR Sarawak State Media’ on or about July 12 last year.
The alleged remarks were made during a discussion in the group chat – made up mostly of journalists – over the amended Sarawak Land Code, particularly on the mechanism(s) to convert native customary rights ( NCR) land to native territorial domain ( NTD).
Vernon had claimed that Uggah ‘ lied’ when interpreting ‘ usufructuary right’ as a right that one can own and also use, which the deputy chief minister had vehemently denied.
Uggah’s lawyer Sim Hui Chiang in his opening remarks said he believes Vernon’s defence of qualified privilege and fair comment would not hold as the defendant had no facts to support his claim.
When taking the stand yesterday, Uggah – the Bukit Saban assemblyman – told the court that although he has been heavily criticised by others on previous occasions, none had defamed him like what Vernon had done.
Vernon’s lawyer Desmond Kho, in his cross examination, argued that Uggah in his capacity as a politician was not capable of being defamed and that a politician should have a high level of tolerance against criticisms.
The court also heard that Uggah had issued a denial via a news portal regarding Vernon’s allegation against him.
Both litigating parties are set to call other witnesses to testify.
The case is being heard before Judge Ravinthran N Paramaguru. Hearing resumes today. Among those present in court yesterday were former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, Minister of Utilities Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi, State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Dato Gerewat Gala, assistant ministers and assemblymen.