Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang is suing Kepala Batas MP Dr Siti Mastura Muhammad for defamation.
This is after the Pas MP had allegedly claimed that Lim, among others, was related to former Communist Party of Malaya secretary-general Chin Peng and Singapore’s first prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew.
Kit Siang said the legal action goes beyond addressing defamation concerns by highlighting a broader issue given Siti Mastura’s role as a public representative and her educational background.
“This is more than an action to clear my name of defamation, but because Siti Mastura has become a national disgrace, being media illiterate yet holding a position as an MP and possessing a PhD,” he said in a statement.
Kit Siang asserted that Siti Mastura’s claims mirrored the baseless and extravagant accusations previously made by Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang.
“Hadi had made wild and preposterous allegations that the DAP and I were anti-Malay, anti-Islam, anti-royalty, communist, and spreading Islamophobia.
“But more than a year has passed, and Hadi has not been able to produce any evidence to substantiate these wild, preposterous, and untrue allegations,” he said.
Kit Siang also urged Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek to introduce media literacy into the national school curriculum, extending beyond universities to ensure students acquire the skills to engage with media critically.
He said this was essential for cultivating a populace capable of making informed decisions and navigating the complexities of modern media landscapes.
Related reports:
Nov 14, Siti Mastura submits ‘reference material’ to cops
Nov 10, Guan Eng starts legal action against Siti Mastura
Nov 8, DAP calls for Siti Mastura to step down following unproven claims
Nov 8, Report filed against Kepala Batas MP over Chin Peng family relations claim
Nov 8, Hadi given 48 hours to substantiate DAP, Kit Siang anti-Islam claims
Nov 7, PAS MP given 48hrs to prove Guan Eng related to Chin Peng, Lee Kuan Yew