CEO of a theatre group wins S$30,000 in a defamation case against the management of Oxley Bizhub's building
The Saga of Mr. Koh Chong Chiah: The Drama King Wins a Defamation Battle
In a dramatic twist, the CEO of Arts Theatre of Singapore, Mr. Koh Chong Chiah, snatched victory from the jaws of defamation! This charismatic Chinese drama charity pioneer won a hefty S$30,000 (US$23,300) in damages against Oxley Bizhub's Management Corporation Strata Title. The battle, which erupted over an unfavorable letter, shook the industrial building's subsidiary proprietors to their very core.
Hailing from the ranks of former senior bankers, Mr. Koh and the Oxley Bizhub's incumbent management council had a checkered past, far from cordial exchanges. The pair frequently locked horns over management concerns, with Mr. Koh voicing discontent and the duo attempting to oust councilmembers. Despite the failed coup attempts in annual general meetings, the tension lingered.
However, matters escalated when a letter, seemingly dispatched under the management corporation's letterhead and addressing government agencies such as the Prime Minister's Office, People's Association, and Building and Construction Authority, landed in the resident proprietors' mailboxes. The missive bore defamatory statements that stained Mr. Koh's reputation. Ad hominem attacks spoke of bullying, harassment, and misuse of his PBM title (Public Service Medal) to put undue pressure on agencies. Curiously, the letter also implicated a clandestine outfit called the "Oxley Task Force," with allegations of vandalism at the Oxley Bizhub facilities, all to cast the management corporation in a negative light.
In an unfortunate turn, an email bearing the management corporation's email address circulated among owners and occupiers on June 10, 2021, requesting subsidiary proprietors to sign a petition supporting the letter's dissemination to the government agencies.
The judge, after considering six witnesses, including Mr. Koh himself, members of the "Oxley Task Force," a management council member, the current chairman, and a management agent consultant, found four of the five stated defamatory remarks. The judgment classified the defamation as moderately severe, yet shy of the S$150,000 Mr. Koh sought in general damages. Aggravated damages of S$100,000 were rejected, as the court deemed them unwarranted.
When the curtain falls, Mr. Koh’s tireless efforts stand tall, bearing the heavy weight of justice. The ensuing victory is a shining testament to his resilience and the legal system's deterrent for unsubstantiated, damaging claims.
In the realm of politics and general news, Mr. Koh Chong Chiah's legal victory against Oxley Bizhub's Management Corporation Strata Title over defamatory statements has significant implications, highlighting the importance of protecting one's reputation in crime-and-justice contexts. The judge's ruling, classifying the defamation as moderately severe and denying aggravated damages, upholds the legal system's role in deterring unsubstantiated, damaging claims.
