Why did AC Mizal and others sue Utusan Melayu for RM25 million?

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AC Mizal and Others Sue Utusan Melayu for RM25 Million Over Defamatory Article

AC Mizal, his wife Datin Emylia Rosnaida Abdul Hamid, and two other plaintiffs initiated a RM25 million lawsuit against Utusan Melayu (M) Sdn Bhd and three other defendants due to a defamatory article published in Mingguan Malaysia. The plaintiffs allege that an article titled ‘Peace Yall FM Tak Bayar Gaji’ in the Pancaindera pullout falsely implied they were irresponsible employers and individuals with severe financial difficulties, damaging their reputations.
Allegations of Libel and Damage to Reputation

The core of the lawsuit stems from claims that an article published by Utusan Melayu’s entertainment reporter, Syed Musaddad Syed Mahdi, contained libelous statements. The plaintiffs assert that the article implied they acted irresponsibly, carelessly, and negligently as employers and businessmen towards their staff. Furthermore, it is claimed that the publication portrayed them as having a poor financial standing, being unreliable, and being so burdened by debt that they could not pay employee salaries. This portrayal, according to the statement of claim, has severely impacted their good name and reputation within the business and entertainment sectors.
Specific Damages Sought by Plaintiffs

In response to the alleged defamation, the plaintiffs are seeking substantial financial compensation. They are claiming RM15 million in general damages for the libel, which addresses the harm to their reputation. Additionally, they are seeking RM10 million in aggravated damages, suggesting the libel was published with malice or particular disregard. The total sum sought is RM25 million, alongside legal costs and any other relief the court deems fit.
Legal Proceedings and Mediation Efforts

The lawsuit was formally filed on March 30, with AC Mizal serving as the president, Datin Emylia Rosnaida as vice-president, and Rashidi Ishak as the chief executive officer of the company Peace Yall Sdn Bhd, which was also a plaintiff. The defendants named include Utusan Melayu, Syed Musaddad Syed Mahdi, former Mingguan Malaysia editor Ku Seman Ku Hussein, and Utusan Melayu editor-in-chief Datuk Abdul Aziz Ishak. During proceedings, the judge advised the parties to explore resolving the dispute through mediation, a process aimed at facilitating a mutual agreement outside of a full trial. Case management for the matter was subsequently scheduled for the following day.

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Why did AC Mizal and others sue Utusan Melayu for RM25 million?

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