POLITICIANS must refrain from using the courts to champion their political careers as it places an unnecessary burden on the legal system, said a veteran activist.
Many minor cases which are libel in nature can be resolved through mediation and balanced reporting by the media instead of resorting to the courts, said Penang Consumers Protection Association president Datuk K. Koris Atan.
However, if the libel extent is huge and it goes beyond reasonable doubt that it has ruined the individual, then the courts offer the right platform to clear their names, said Koris.
"Undue loss of taxpayers money and in some instances the waste of the court's time for minor cases occur as the plaintiffs deem it is their right to seek legal redress."
Instead, Koris urged politicians to rebut those whom they felt had smeared their reputation by using social media platforms or to hold press conferences to clear their name of the alleged wrongdoing.
The media must also play a decisive role by coming out with balanced and ethical reporting of issues and opinions, he said.
Koris said this after the court dismissed a defamation suit brought by former deputy chief minister II Dr P. Ramasamy against him yesterday.
Koris said that this was the first time in his career as a non-governmental organisation activist that he was taken to court for being critical of government leaders.
He said that he was initially shocked by the move as he felt that he was just voicing out the opinions of people, who had confided in him about a need for an elevator or a mini-cable car to the top of the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple in Waterfalls here.
Ramasamy had sued Koris over comments in an article published by The Vibes last year, as it gave an impression that he was not doing his job.
The suit was over claims that Ramasamy, as chairman of the Penang Hindu Endowments Board at the time, failed to improve access to the hilltop temple, such as by introducing a cable car or elevator.
Koris said that nowadays with the use of social media to peddle news and information, many quarters have also exploited it to smear the good name of leaders.
"We cannot keep track of the number of times politicians are run down by social media and in the due process, their allegedly good names become tainted."
This is why politics of today is seen as all dirty rather than honorable as even those with good intentions find themselves mangled by unscrupulous groups or individuals online.
Koris said that he will continue to be critical of issues and government leaders, who may not be performing up to the expectations of the people.
He also hoped that those who are aggrieved with his stance would contact him and offer their opinions which he says that he is obligated to listen and digest.
"Not all arguments should end up in court although it is a person's right to defend their reputation. If we can resolve it as gentlemen, it would be better."
A court case impacts the lives of both the plaintiff and the respondents, especially those libellous, he added. - December 18, 2024.
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