The Sessions Court here awarded Jelutong member of parliament RSN Rayer RM100,000 in damages after allowing his defamation suit against a social media user over a series of online videos published in 2024.
Judge Norsalha Hamzah also ordered defendant S. Murugesan, 50, to pay RM4,000 in legal costs.
Rayer’s lawyer K. Kumarathiraviam said the case involved several videos uploaded on social media platforms in September 2024.
Videos allegedly damaged reputation
Rayer, who also serves as chairman of the Penang Hindu Endowments Board, stated in his suit that the videos contained defamatory remarks that harmed his reputation as a lawyer, elected representative and DAP leader.
According to the statement of claim, Rayer said the comments clearly referred to him due to his positions as PHEB chairman, practising lawyer and member of parliament.
He claimed the videos were widely viewed, shared and discussed online, resulting in serious damage to his standing and reputation within the community.
Among the allegations made in the videos were claims that Rayer had abused his authority as PHEB chairman, supported corrupt practices and had stolen or intended to misappropriate funds belonging to the board.
Rayer also alleged that Murugesan used insulting and abusive language against him, including statements questioning his integrity, competence and character.
Dispute allegedly linked to loan request
Court documents stated that Murugesan allegedly acted out of resentment after Rayer refused a request to lend him RM30,000 several weeks before the videos were uploaded online.
Rayer later issued a letter of demand dated Nov 19, 2024, seeking a public apology, retraction and damages over the matter.
However, Murugesan allegedly refused to comply and instead repeated the accusations in a reply dated Nov 25, 2024.
The reply also reportedly demanded that Rayer apologise publicly during a temple event in Gelugor.
Police report lodged over allegations
Rayer subsequently lodged a police report on Nov 24, 2024, in connection with the allegations.
In his legal action, he also sought several court injunctions to restrain Murugesan from publishing further defamatory statements.
He additionally requested that Murugesan issue public apologies and retractions through newspapers and social media platforms.
Rayer had sought general, aggravated and exemplary damages amounting to RM500,000.
