Hannah Yeoh's 'divine mission' to 'reclaim politics and public service' recalled as court throws out suit against ex-IGP

A DAP leader's own admission that she "subtly preached Christianity" through her political involvement in Malaysia formed the basis for the High Court's decision today to dismiss her defamation suit against Musa Hassan, the former police chief's lawyers said.

Hannah Yeoh, the youth and sports minister, failed in her suit against Musa for comments he made at a forum four years ago, in which he allegedly accused the Segambut MP of ties with evangelicals who could undermine Islam in Malaysia.

Welcoming the court's decision, lawyers for Musa said the court had considered the fact that the DAP leader herself had admitted in her book "Becoming Hannah" to "subtly teaching Christianity" in Malaysia upon her return from studies abroad, in addition to her claim of fulfilling her role as an "Ambassador of God" to "spread the teachings of her God through political office".

In a statement, the law firm representing Musa, Azam Aziz & Co, also quoted several excerpts from Yeoh's book that formed part of the defence's arguments.

"I also felt that politics took me away from my true longing, which was to be a preacher. But had I not obeyed God's call, I would not have had the opportunity to preach at churches, to world leaders and to young people, like I am able to do now.

"God knew the desire of my heart to preach and serve Him. And He made it happen through my political office," Yeoh wrote in her book as quoted by Musa's counsels.

Yeoh continued, "God wants to reclaim politics and public service in Malaysia for righteousness' sake. He is looking for God-fearing men and women who are willing to roll up their sleeves and labour in this very demanding field."

The lawyers said that as an elected representative, Yeoh should be open to criticism in the discharge of her public duties.

"The court reaffirms the importance of freedom of expression, especially in discussions of national interests, and emphasises that public figures must accept criticism and debate about their actions and utterances in their public capacity," they added.

Musa was sued by Yeoh over his remarks at a forum organised by the Malay Rulers Chair of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in 2020 titled "Hat Yai Peace Agreement 1989: Has CPM Surrendered?", in which the former police chief, who was in office from 2006 to 2010, referred to a review of Yeoh's book and said evangelists were a threat to national security.

However, the High Court dismissed Yeoh's suit and ordered her to pay Musa RM40,000 in costs.

Judicial Commissioner Arziah Mohamed Apandi also stated that Musa had not made the remarks with malicious intent, adding that he had reasonable grounds to do so "based on the admission and writings of the plaintiff".

"While responsible speech is important, public figures must expect and tolerate robust criticism and debate regarding their public statements and actions," Arziah said.

Yeoh is appealing the decision.

Meanwhile, Musa, in a statement through his lawyers, said he was grateful for today's ruling and vowed to "continue to speak out in his capacity as the former inspector-general of police, on all matters of national interest and defend the nation from internal and external threats in line with the sanctity and supremacy of the Federal Constitution".