KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — Political activist Badrul Hisham Shaharin, better known as Chegubard, has been barred by the High Court from publishing or disseminating any allegedly defamatory statements against a senior military officer on social media pending the disposal of a defamation suit.
Lawyer Mohamed Baharudeen Mohamed Ariff, representing Major General Faridhulathroth Hashim, said this followed High Court Judge Roslan Mat Nor’s decision in allowing his client’s application for an interim injunction during proceedings on Tuesday (June 30).
"The interim order, which remains in force until the disposal of the suit, restrains Badrul Hisham or his representatives from publishing, republishing, disseminating, or continuing to disseminate any statements, images or references concerning the plaintiff, except where necessary for court proceedings.
"The court also ordered that all online publications and references under the defendant's control be hidden, and further directed the defendant to pay RM3,000 in costs to the plaintiff," he told Bernama when contacted today.
Lawyer Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, representing Badrul, confirmed the court order.
Faridhulathroth, 52, an Assistant Chief of Staff (Intelligence) at the Army Headquarters Intelligence Branch, filed the lawsuit on April 21, alleging that Badrul published six defamatory statements on his Facebook page between December 31, 2023, and January 17, 2024, concerning the plaintiff's alleged criminal activities and misconduct.
According to the statement of claim, the publications implied, among other things, that Faridhulathroth was the mastermind or a key figure in high-level corruption within the Malaysian Army, and that he had abused his intelligence role to protect the personal interests of senior officers allegedly involved in unlawful activities rather than safeguarding national security.
The plaintiff contends that the publications have seriously damaged his reputation and standing, and is seeking general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
