KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 31): The High Court has granted Supermax Corp Bhd (KL:SUPERMX) founder and chairman Datuk Seri Stanley Thai’s application to hold the high-profile defamation suit brought by his wife against him behind closed doors.
High Court Judicial Commissioner Eddie Yeo Soon Chye allowed the application for in-camera proceedings in the case between Thai and his wife Datuk Cheryl Tan Bee Geok.
Yeo said that after considering the oral and written submissions from both parties — where Tan had objected to the application — he was granting the protective order for Thai as this is not a litigation involving public interest.
With the protective order in effect, this will bar the publication or reporting in the media or social media of details of the proceedings, including the identities of the parties and witnesses, except with the permission of the court. It also allows 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.
Tan was represented by S Ravenesan, while Thai was represented by G Rajasingam.
The defamation trial will begin on July 27 next year, as set by the High Court.
In his filing, Thai had 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 the 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 glove maker Supermax.
The divorce proceedings are ongoing in the Family Court. In January 2024, the High Court had granted an ancillary relief injunction freezing 50% of Thai’s assets, including bank accounts, properties, and shares (including those in Supermax).