I join the chorus together with many Malaysians in demanding nothing but a clear explanation from the Attorney-General (AG) why the Edge publication’s former editor-in-chief was charged yesterday with criminal defamation offences over news reports, instead of allowing the alleged defamed businessman and the defamed companies to seek redress in civil courts.
As much as we acknowledge that the AG has prerogative to exercise his discretion, to institute or discontinue any proceedings for an offence, other than proceedings before a Syariah court, a native court or a court-martial, he is duty bound to explain to the public about his decision to use criminal defamation with taxpayers’ money when it is the reputation of a corporate figure and public listed companies that is involved.
The AG should also explain, moving forward, does that mean that any defamed individuals and commercial entities can now lodge police reports and expect criminal defamation action by the AG?