Prominent blogger Leong Sze Hian has just revealed that he is commencing legal proceedings against Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for “abusing the process of the court”.
Earlier, PM Lee commenced legal proceedings against Leong for defamation after the latter shared an article on his Facebook page that alleged that the head of government helped launder 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds.
Leong, who initially said that he was “bewildered” by PM Lee’s actions has now said that he is fighting the claims against him in court. Besides filing a defence, Leong also got his lawyer Lim Tean to file a counterclaim against PM Lee for “abusing the process of the court in bringing the claim against me.”
He wrote on Facebook ten minutes ago: “The PM is taking legal action against me for defamation for sharing a post on Facebook which I did not write, did not embellish, and did not comment upon.
“As Singaporeans we are a gentle people. We do not riot and we do not violently or forcefully impose our opinions or will on each other. We do however engage, share, and contribute with each other online, especially via Facebook and Instagram.
“Whilst it may be my name on the case file, this action is bigger than my name, bigger than just the one ordinary Singaporean that I am. It is for every Singaporean today who has ever shared a post on Facebook, for every child who will share a post on Facebook and for the unborn generations to come.
“I am very sad and disappointed at our PM’s actions, but I am equally humbled and heartened that the character of our Singaporean people will prevail, and together we can show the PM and his advisors that they cannot use defamation suits to silence ordinary Singaporeans.”
See his statement in full and a statement by his defense lawyer here:
I Am Suing the Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for Abusing the Process of the CourtI have appointed Lim Tean of Carson…
Posted by Leong Sze Hian on Wednesday, 26 December 2018
https://theindependent.sg.sg/i-have-the-best-counsel-the-people-of-singapore-leong-sze-hian-set-to-defend-himself-in-defamation-suit-by-pm-lee/