What was the total financial penalty for Chong Chieng Jen after the appeal?

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Total Financial Penalty for Chong Chieng Jen Stands at RM450,000 After Appeal

Following the Court of Appeal's decision, Chong Chieng Jen faces a total financial penalty of RM450,000. This comprises RM300,000 in increased damages awarded to the Sarawak government and the Sarawak Financial Authority (SFA), and an additional RM150,000 in costs ordered to be paid to the respondents. The appellate court's ruling upheld a High Court decision that found Chong had defamed the state government and the SFA.
Increased Damages Awarded

The Court of Appeal increased the damages payable by Chong Chieng Jen from the initial RM150,000 awarded by the High Court to RM300,000. This sum is to compensate the Sarawak government and the SFA for the defamation. The original lawsuit was filed in 2013 following Chong's allegations concerning RM11 billion in state funds.
Additional Costs Imposed

In addition to the damages, Chong Chieng Jen has been ordered to pay RM150,000 in costs to the respondents. This amount is separate from the damages and reflects the legal expenses incurred by the Sarawak government and the SFA in defending the defamation case through the appellate process.
Legal Proceedings and Basis for Defamation

The case originated from statements made by Chong in 2013, where he alleged that state funds had disappeared into a "black hole." The High Court had previously ruled these claims as defamatory in August 2022, a decision now affirmed by the Court of Appeal. Chong's legal team had sought a retrial, arguing procedural errors, but this was dismissed by the appellate judges.

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What was the total financial penalty for Chong Chieng Jen after the appeal?

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