Settlement reach: Dr Sim Kui Hian and Michael Kong drop all defamation claims

Dr Sim (left) and Kong

By Dorcas Ting

KUCHING, March 13: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Michael Kong Feng Nian have agreed to discontinue their respective claims and counterclaims after reaching a settlement in a defamation suit over remarks posted on social media concerning the Sarawak government’s food aid allocation policy.

The settlement was recorded today at the High Court before Judicial Commissioner Zaleha Mohd Yusof Pan, who acknowledged the agreement and commended both parties for resolving the matter amicably, avoiding the need for a prolonged trial.

Following the settlement, Dr Sim formally withdrew the lawsuit he had filed against Kong, who is the special assistant to Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman.

Dr Sim was represented by counsel Datuk Shankar Ram, while Kong was represented by lawyers Chong Siew Chiang and Chong Chieng Jen.

Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom, Chieng Jen said the decision to accept the settlement reflected his view that the dispute arose from differences over political positions and public policy.

He added that such matters should be debated in the political arena and ultimately judged by the public rather than resolved in court.

“Whether a policy is fair or justified should be determined by the people, not by the court,” he said, noting that the settlement would save time and resources for all parties.

The lawsuit stemmed from a June 2020 Facebook post by Kong criticising the Sarawak government’s food aid allocation, alleging that funds were distributed in a way that discriminated against opposition State assemblymen.

Dr Sim subsequently filed the defamation suit, claiming the remarks were damaging and seeking an apology and compensation.

Separately, Dr Sim had also taken legal action against Chieng Jen, who is Padungan assemblyman, over statements regarding the same food assistance programme.

In that case, the Kuching High Court ruled on Dec 22, 2025 in Dr Sim’s favour, ordering Chieng Jen to pay RM500,000 in damages along with legal costs. That decision is currently under appeal. — DayakDaily