Former Federal Court judge Gopal Sri Ram pointed out that under the law, the government has no reputation to protect.

"Therefore, by allowing the government to sue for defamation, it infringes the personal liberty of individuals," he told Malaysiakini.

Sri Ram was commenting on the Federal Court's landmark judgment today in the case of Bandar Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen, where it ruled that the government can sue for defamation...