A Malaysian TikTok user has been slapped with a RM100,000 fine for defaming Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, after posting a video accusing her of being involved in ilmu hitam (black magic) and syirik (polytheistic practices).
Didn’t show up to court
The decision was made by High Court Judge Datuk Ahmad Shahrir Mohd. Salleh, who ruled in Rosmah’s favour after the defendant, Ku Muhammad Hilmie Ku Din, failed to respond to the lawsuit or show up in court.
Since Ku didn’t submit a memorandum of appearance by the required deadline, the court proceeded with a default judgment.
According to Kosmo!, Rosmah, 74, initially filed the lawsuit in September 2023, claiming that Ku had uploaded a defamatory video to his TikTok account on March 22, 2023.
The video allegedly implied that Rosmah was involved in sinful activities, black magic, and associated with shamans and evil individuals — claims she strongly denied.
Court awarded RM100K for general and aggravated damages
The judge ruled that Rosmah had successfully proven she was entitled to compensation, stating:
After considering all aspects, this court finds that RM100,000 is a fair and reasonable amount.”
This amount covers general damages and aggravated damages. However, her claim for exemplary damages was rejected due to a lack of solid evidence.
Rosmah says the video ruined her public image
In her court affidavit, Rosmah said the video had severely affected her emotional well-being and public image, especially given her role as the wife of former PM Najib Razak and her status as a patron of several charities.
She claimed that the video led to people viewing her with suspicion, mocking her, and spreading misinformation, adding:
I’ve experienced emotional distress, depression, and lost confidence to appear in public. I constantly worry that people — including friends — will ask about the video.”
She also said she had to repeatedly explain herself to avoid misunderstandings whenever the topic came up.
Although Rosmah originally sought RM1 million in damages, the court settled on RM100,000 as a more appropriate amount.
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