[via malaysiakini.com]
Jul 15, 08 4:14pm

MIC president S Samy Vellu obtained an interim injunction from the Kuala Lumpur High Court today restraining former Klang MIC division chief P Thiagarasan, the publisher of Tamil daily 'Malaysia Nanban' and three others from publishing further libellous articles about him.

According to Bernama, Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat granted the order in chambers and set Aug 1 for the inter-parte hearing.

On July 3, the veteran politician filed a suit against the five, seeking RM10 million damages for libel and other damages deemed fit by the court.

He named Thiagarasan, Malaysia Nanban, the daily's editor, M Maryanandy, journalist M Yogalinggam and the printing company, Aslita Sdn Bhd, as defendents.

In his statement of claim, he said Yogalinggam had written an article published in the daily on June 25 which contained libellous elements which had damaged his reputation among the Indian community.

Samy Vellu added that the article had also affected his credibility and his good name.

He also claimed that the defendents' actions had not only tarnished his image as party president but also changed the people's perception on the party's ability in safeguarding the interest of the Indian community.

His counsel, S Selvam, said the writ of summons would be served on the defendants today.

No concrete proposals from Pakatan

In an unrelated development, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Shahrir Samad said opposition leaders from Pakatan Rakyat are only interested in politicising issues for self interest and have not offered any concrete proposals to solve the nation's and people's problems following the global oil price hike.

He said although the general election was over, Pakatan Rakyat leaders were still busy politicking instead of offering sound ideas which the government could use to lessen the people's burden.

"So far, I have not seen their wisdom. Their views and goals are all about politics rather than on sound measures to solve current economic problems," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

He was speaking to reporters after a varsity student chat programme on the oil price issue organised by the Federation of Peninsular Malay Students last night.

Shahrir said Pakatan Rakyat should be more reasonable when voicing their opinions and show maturity in their arguments.

The member of Parliament for Johor Baharu said whatever the political agenda, the aim of developing the country should be the priority and to achieve that, the Pakatan Rakyat leaders must get out of their old political cocoon.

On tonight's debate between Information Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek and PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim on the oil price issue, Shahrir said he expected Anwar to repeat what he had said before the general election.

"I take note of what he says. But I don't think his proposals are logical. We'll wait what happens tonight," he said.