Tamil News Editor Served Legal Letter From Deputy Minister S Aide

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A news editor of a Tamil language news website was served with a letter of demand over allegedly defaming an aide to National Unity deputy minister Saraswathy Kandasamy.
Malaysiakini sighted the letter, dated April 30, addressed to Tamil Lens employee Vetri Victor from a legal firm representing Karen Kasthuri James who serves as a special task officer to Saraswathy (above).
In it were demands for a retraction and public apology from Vetri over an article alleging that Saraswathy’s assistant used disrespectful words towards a mother who asked for financial assistance regarding her child’s education.
“I received a notice demanding an apology within 48 hours for the report against the deputy minister’s assistant.
“I ask that today’s government not be tyrannical and try to stop the freedom of the media,” said Vetri.
He claimed he was also removed from the deputy minister’s WhatsApp group with the media and was not invited to a press conference regarding the report.
He added that he would write a letter to the prime minister regarding the issue.
Vetri said he met with Shanmugam Mookan, special duties officer to the Prime Minister’s Office at Kuala Kubu Baharu, Selangor this morning.
Tamil Lens news editor Vetri Victor (right) and Prime Minister's Office special duties officer Shanmugam Mookan (left)He also said he would not apologise to the deputy minister’s assistant.
On March 12, Saraswathy denied the report’s claim that her staff had mistreated a mother who was applying for a scholarship fund worth RM 15,000.
During a press conference, she said her office would lodge a police report over the accusation, claiming it was an attempt to tarnish her reputation. - Mkini

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