(pic) for defamation.
In a 2-1 majority decision, the three-member bench led by Federal Court judge Datuk Nallini Pathmanathan allowed Lim's appeal to set aside the Court of Appeal's decision which had overturned the High Court's ruling.
Justice Datuk Harmindar Singh Dhaliwal, who delivered the court's judgment, held that a public officer, whether he is suing in his official or personal capacity, is not prohibited from bringing an action for damages for defamation.
Justice Nallini concurred with Justice Harmindar while Justice Datuk Abdul Rahman Sebli dissented.
The court awarded RM50,000 in costs to Lim, who is DAP secretary-general and former finance minister.