By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 12: The Court of Appeal has directed Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen’s lawyers to write to the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak regarding the absence of the written grounds from the Kuching High Court involving the ‘black hole’ defamation case.
In a statement, Chong said the step followed today’s Court of Appeal proceedings, which were unable to proceed with his appeal due to the absence of the High Court’s written reasons for its August 30, 2022, decision against him.
The High Court ruled in favour of the Sarawak government and awarded RM150,000 in damages and RM50,000 in costs over Chong’s 2013 remarks alleging a ‘black hole’ in the administration involving RM11 billion in public funds.
However, Chong said that the judge did not provide the grounds of judgment—the reasoning of his decision in favour of the State government.
“Over the years, we have written five times to the High Court to request the grounds of judgment, but all to no avail.
“Today, my appeal was heard before the Court of Appeal, but they were unable to proceed with the hearing because there are no grounds of judgment.
“Finally, the Court of Appeal ordered that the High Court provide the grounds of judgment within one month from today, and that the hearing of the appeal be postponed.
“As directed by the Court of Appeal, my lawyers will also be writing to the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak on this matter. I hope to receive the grounds of judgment soon so that we can proceed with my appeal accordingly,” he said. — DayakDaily
