MP gets justice
KUCHING: Former journalist Joseph Tawie apologised to Batang Sadong MP Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri in Kuching High Court yesterday for defaming her in his Facebook page.
Tawie read out the agreed statement of apology in front of Nancy during an open court proceeding before High Court Judge Datuk Supang Lian to settle a defamation suit against him.
The court also ordered Tawie to publish the statement of apology on his Facebook page as well as in one copy of the New Sarawak Tribune and one copy of the Borneo Post newspaper within three days from the date of the order (yesterday).
He was also ordered to remove the two defamatory publications on May 10 and 13 last year from his Facebook page as well as all comments associated with both publications.
The defendant also was ordered to pay costs of RM25,000 to the plaintiff (Nancy) of which an initial sum of RM10,000 be paid within 30 days from yesterday.
On May 10 and 13, Tawie posted on his Facebook page insinuating that Nancy had abused her power by giving a directive to Sili Bunsi – Tuai Rumah of Sungai Buluh in Sadong Jaya – to cancel a Gawai ceremony meant to welcome the Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo and not to cooperate with the newly elected Pakatan Harapan federal government.
Nancy was represented by lawyer Shankar Ram Pohumall Asnani while Tawie was represented by Augustine Liom.
Among those present in support of Nancy were Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip, Sadong Jaya assemblyman Aidel Lariwoo and Simunjan assemblyman Awla Dris.
