Exclusive Interview: Legal Business Asia Speaks to Bryan Lui of Lui & Bhullar on Defamation Law in Malaysia

As online platforms continue to shape public discourse, defamation of character in Malaysia has become a pressing concern for individuals and businesses alike. Legal Business Asia sat down with Bryan Lui, Managing Partner of Lui & Bhullar, widely recognised as a Top Defamation Lawyer in Malaysia and a leading authority on online defamation in Malaysia, to discuss the evolving legal landscape.

 

LBA: Bryan, thank you for joining us. To begin, what constitutes defamation under Malaysian law?

Bryan Lui (Lui & Bhullar) :
Under Malaysian law, defamation refers to the publication of a statement that lowers a person or business in the estimation of right-thinking members of society. The law is guided primarily by the Defamation Act 1957, which covers both libel and slander.

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To constitute defamation, a statement must be:

1. Defamatory,

2. Referring to the plaintiff, and

3. Published to a third party.

 

 

This applies both in traditional media and to social media defamation in Malaysia, where a single post or comment spreads rapidly.

 

LBA: Many readers ask about the distinction between libel and slander. Could you clarify the differences between libel and slander in Malaysia?

Bryan Lui (Lui & Bhullar):
Libel is defamation in permanent form — such as online posts, videos, articles, or advertisements.

Slander refers to verbal statements.

In practice, libel is more common today due to the rise of digital platforms, and most legal action for defamation in Malaysia now relates to online publications.

 

LBA: If someone wishes to protect their reputation, how can they file a defamation case in Malaysia?

Bryan Lui (Lui & Bhullar):
The process begins with documenting the defamatory material and identifying the publisher. At Lui & Bhullar, we often issue a letter of demand first, followed by a civil suit for defamation in Malaysia if the matter is not resolved.

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If the perpetrator is anonymous, we may apply for a Norwich Pharmacal Order to compel identification.

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The steps on how to file a defamation lawsuit in Malaysia generally include:

1. Evidence collection

2. Legal assessment

3. Issuance of a demand letter

4. Filing the writ and statement of claim

5. Trial

 

A strong factual foundation is crucial, especially for online defamation and social media cases.

 

LBA: What are the typical defenses available against defamation claims?

Bryan Lui (Lui & Bhullar):
The main defenses include:

• Justification (truth)

• Fair comment on a matter of public interest

• Qualified privilege

• Absolute privilege in certain protected contexts

 

These defenses are frequently considered in disputes involving slander and libel legal services in Malaysia.

 

LBA: How serious are the penalties or consequences for defamation in Malaysia?

Bryan Lui (Lui & Bhullar):
Defamation is a civil wrong.

 

Penalties come in the form of damages, which can be substantial depending on the plaintiff’s reputation, the extent of publication, and malice.

Courts may also order injunctions to prevent further publication. This is especially important in cases of social media defamation in Malaysia, where content can spread uncontrollably.

 

LBA: Many businesses are concerned about online attacks. What challenges do you see in handling online defamation in Malaysia?

Bryan Lui (Lui & Bhullar):
The biggest challenge is anonymity. Many attacks are orchestrated by competitors or disgruntled parties hiding behind pseudonyms. This is where strategic applications such as Norwich Pharmacal Orders come in.

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We also work alongside the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) when necessary to address breaches under the Communications and Multimedia Act.

 

LBA: Why has Lui & Bhullar become known as the go-to defamation firm for businesses and high-profile individuals?

Bryan Lui (Lui & Bhullar):
We have built a strong reputation as a Top Defamation Law Firm in Malaysia because we combine litigation expertise with deep understanding of TMT (Technology, Media & Telecommunications).

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We regularly advise on:

• Online defamation in Malaysia

• False reviews and fraudulent social media campaigns

• Corporate reputation protection

• High-stakes libel and slander cases

 

Clients trust us because we offer both legal and commercial strategies, ensuring their brand and credibility remain safeguarded.

 

LBA: Can businesses really sue for defamation in Malaysia?

Bryan Lui (Lui & Bhullar):
Absolutely. Businesses have the same right to file a defamation lawsuit if false statements harm their commercial reputation. We have acted in multiple corporate defamation cases involving competitor attacks, fake allegations, and smear campaigns.

 

LBA: Any notable trends you are seeing in the defamation landscape?

Bryan Lui (Lui & Bhullar):
There’s a clear rise in:

• Anonymous attacks

• Fake reviews

• Competitor-driven defamation

• Viral misinformation spreading on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook

 

This has made TMT and defamation expertise critical. Increasingly, clients approach us early to prevent issues before they grow into litigation.

 

Closing Thoughts

With defamation risks rising in both physical and digital spheres, the demand for Top Slander and Libel Legal Services in Malaysia continues to grow. Through his leadership at Lui & Bhullar, Bryan Lui remains at the forefront of guiding clients on how to file a defamation case in Malaysia, navigating online threats, and protecting reputations with strategic precision.

Lui & Bhullar – Tier-1 Recognition as the Top TMT Law Firm in Malaysia by Legal Business Asia 

 

When it comes to Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) law in Malaysia, Lui & Bhullar stands out as a clear market leader.

 

Recognised by Legal Business Asia as a Platinum Tier, Tier-1 law firm, Lui & Bhullar has earned its reputation as one of the top TMT law firms in Malaysia, providing strategic, innovative, and industry-focused legal solutions to both corporate clients and high-profile individuals.

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With decades of combined expertise, the firm is widely regarded as the top media law firm in Malaysia, especially in matters involving broadcasting, digital media, content regulation, advertising compliance, reputation management, and online platform disputes. The firm’s lawyers are regularly instructed to advise media companies, content creators, production houses, and tech platforms on complex regulatory and commercial issues.

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Lui & Bhullar is also recognised as the top defamation law firm in Malaysia, handling high-stakes online defamation, social media defamation, corporate reputation disputes, malicious falsehood, libel, and slander claims. Whether the matter involves Facebook, TikTok, WhatsApp, corporate smear campaigns, or viral posts, the firm’s defamation lawyers in Malaysia are known for securing swift, effective outcomes—including injunctions, retractions, apologies, damages, and reputation protection strategies.

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The firm also maintains an exceptional reputation as the top construction law firm in Malaysia, advising developers, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and consultants in construction disputes, CIPAA adjudication, arbitration, litigation, and contract management. From progress claims and delay disputes to defective works and final account claims, the firm offers end-to-end construction dispute resolution support.

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Beyond TMT, media, defamation, and construction law, Lui & Bhullar also plays a prominent role in corporate litigation in Malaysia, handling shareholder disputes, commercial fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, contract disputes, and misrepresentation claims. The firm’s multidisciplinary approach allows clients to benefit from comprehensive legal representation across multiple industries.

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Today, Lui & Bhullar continues to lead the way as a Tier-1 TMT law firm, Tier-1 defamation law firm, and Tier-1 construction law firm in Malaysia, offering clients unmatched expertise, industry insights, and results-driven legal solutions.

 

Contact Messrs Lui & Bhullar Today:

📧 Email: general@luibhullar.com
📞 WhatsApp: +60143000970
 

 

 

Disclaimer : Legal Business Asia is an independent legal directory Malaysia and legal services directory. While we provide information to help users find a lawyer Malaysia through our lawyer directory Malaysia, law firm directory Malaysia, and attorney directory Malaysia, we are not affiliated, associated, or partnered with any specific law firm or lawyer suggested on this platform.