<![CDATA[DAP Sarawak Chief Chong Chieng Jen Loses Appeal, Damages Doubled to RM300,000 in 'Black Hole' Suit]]>Court of Appeal unanimously dismisses Chong Chieng Jen's appeal over 2013 'RM11 billion black hole' remarks — damages bumped from RM150,000 to RM300,000.

The three-judge panel also allowed the Sarawak government's cross-appeal, bringing the total payable in damages and costs to RM500,000.

The case stems from a 2013 statement where Chong claimed RM11 billion from the Sarawak Treasury had "disappeared into a black hole." The High Court found him liable for defamation in 2022, ruling the remarks suggested lack of transparency in state financial management.

Chong's lawyer Michael Kong had argued for a retrial, saying the original judge wrongly blocked a subpoena for former second finance minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh. But the appeal court rejected that argument.

Breakdown of costs:

  • RM300,000 in damages (doubled from RM150,000)
  • RM50,000 for original costs
  • RM100,000 for dismissed appeal costs
  • RM50,000 for cross-appeal costs

📍 Location: Court of Appeal, Putrajaya
📰 Details: Chong Chieng Jen (DAP Sarawak chairman / Stampin MP) v Sarawak Government & Sarawak Financial Authority

🔗 Source: DayakDaily

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