Defamation suit against FMT dismissed

Judge orders MIC’s Mugilan to pay costs.

(FMT) – The Shah Alam High Court today dismissed a defamation suit brought against FMT by MIC’s deputy Youth chief, V Mugilan.

Justice Ahmad Zaki Husin said FMT did not commit any offence in an article entitled “MIC’s Mugilan accused of swindling temple”, which was published on July 28, 2011.

He ordered Mugilan to pay RM30,000 in costs.

The FMT article was about a police report filed against Mugilan by the Serendah Indian Community Association, which alleged that Mugilan worked in cahoots with certain officials of the Sri Selva Vinayaga Temple to take out RM400,000 from a RM2 million fund without authorisation.

The report also quoted Mugilan as denying the allegation, saying the money was used to pay a deposit to a contractor appointed to build a crematorium.

He sued FMT for RM500,000, claiming the report was false and politically motivated.

The judge said Mugilan’s accusation had no basis.

FMT was represented by Clement G Lopez.