How much did the High Court order Wan Azizah and others to pay Felda?

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High Court Orders Wan Azizah and Others to Pay RM2 Million in Damages to Felda

The High Court has ordered PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and two other individuals to pay RM2 million in general and aggravated damages to the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) and its subsidiary. This decision stems from the publication of defamatory articles seven years ago. The court allowed the appeal by Felda and Felda Global Ventures Holdings Sdn Bhd (FGVH) against a previous award of RM70,000, finding it to be insufficient compensation for the damages incurred.
Increased Damages Awarded on Appeal

Justice Datuk Su Geok Yiam ruled that the initial RM70,000 in damages and RM10,000 in costs awarded by the High Court Deputy Registrar were too low. The court agreed with Felda's counsel that a higher quantum was necessary, stating that a minimal damages amount could lead parties to underestimate the severity of defaming a statutory body and send an inappropriate message to the public.
Failure to Evaluate Impact of Articles

The Deputy Registrar's initial assessment was found to have failed in evaluating how the articles, including those titled Felda Bankrap, Kontroversi, and Bina Bangunan RM662 Juta Hanya Libatkan Tiga Individu, caused financial losses and a depreciation in Felda's shares. The court emphasized the need for an appropriate damages amount to reflect the actual harm caused to the statutory body's reputation and financial standing.
Legal Action Initiated in 2010

Felda and its subsidiary had initially filed a RM200 million defamation suit against Wan Azizah, former Senator Dr Syed Husin Ali, and article writer Rusnizam Mahat on August 16, 2010. The lawsuit concerned articles published on June 22 and June 29, 2010, in PKR's publication, "Suara Keadilan," which Felda claimed adversely affected its image.
Respondents Ordered to Pay Additional Costs

In addition to the RM2 million in damages, the court also ordered the respondents, Wan Azizah, Dr Syed Husin Ali, and Rusnizam Mahat, to pay RM25,000 in costs to Felda and FGVH. This ruling overturned the previous High Court Deputy Registrar's decision, which had been made on February 13.

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How much did the High Court order Wan Azizah and others to pay Felda?

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