KUCHING: MP Stampin Chong Chieng Jen wondered why four years have passed since the conclusion of his defamation trial, yet the trial judge has still not provided the grounds of judgment.
He said the Sarawak State Government sued me over my allegation of a ‘Black Hole’ in its administration involving the allocation of approximately RM11 billion in public funds. The suit was filed in the High Court of Kuching in 2013. The trial commenced on January 7 2021 and concluded on July 5 2021 after 26 hearing days.
On August 30 2022, Chong said the High Court ruled in favour of the State Government, awarding RM150,000 in damages and RM50,000 in costs. However, the judge did not provide the written grounds explaining the decision.
Almost three years after the verdict and four years after the trial ended, the grounds of judgment remain unavailable despite five written requests to the High Court.
Chong added that in his appeal before the Court of Appeal, it could not proceed as the grounds of judgment were still missing.
He said the Court of Appeal has now ordered the High Court to provide the grounds within one month and postponed the hearing of my appeal.
As directed, he said his lawyers will also write to the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak on this matter.
Chong hoped that the grounds of judgment will be issued promptly so my appeal can finally move forward.
By Connie Chieng