KUALA LUMPUR (July 23): The High Court here has granted an adjournment in the high-profile defamation suit filed by Datuk Wira Cheryl Tan Bee Geok against her husband, Supermax Corp Bhd (KL:SUPERMX) founder and chairman Datuk Seri Stanley Thai, pending a hearing on a protective order application to hold the trial behind closed doors.

High Court Judicial Commissioner Eddie Yeo Soon Chye allowed the application to be heard and vacated the previously scheduled trial dates of July 23, 30 and 31.

“The court has considered submissions from both parties. In exercising its discretion, the court rules that the protective order application will be heard expeditiously,” said Yeo.

He added that both parties must be given adequate time to file the necessary court documents and make oral submissions, after which the court will deliver a reasoned decision on the matter (Enclosure 176).

The protective order seeks to bar publication or reporting in the media or social media of details from the proceedings, including the identities of the parties and witnesses, without leave of the court. It also seeks for the proceedings to be held in camera, excluding all individuals not directly involved in the case, including members of the public and the media.

The judicial commissioner also directed that new trial dates be set following the outcome of the protective order application.

Thai’s lawyer, G Rajasingam, earlier informed the court that the application was filed on July 11. Tan’s lawyer, S Ravenesan, told the court his client would oppose it.

A new hearing date will be scheduled for the protective order application.

In his filing, Thai argued that the case involves highly private and sensitive matters, centred on family issues rather than matters of public interest.

“The legal action herein is not a litigation involving public interest. To the contrary, the familial relationship, dignity and marriage of the defendant take centre stage in the legal action herein. Therefore, there is no utility and it is not in the interest of justice for these delicate, private and personal matters to be adjudicated in public for public scrutiny,” Thai said.

He added that witnesses could face embarrassment, ridicule, or stigma if required to testify about their private or intimate history in an open court. One unnamed witness is said to be engaged and wishes to avoid public exposure of past romantic relationships.

Thai and Tan are also embroiled in a contentious divorce, which includes disputes over wealth disclosure, division of matrimonial assets and possible implications for corporate governance at glovemaker Supermax.

The divorce proceedings are ongoing in the Family Court. In January 2024, the High Court granted an ancillary relief injunction freezing 50% of Thai’s assets, including bank accounts, properties and shares (including those in Supermax).